We have updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for Eurasia Group and its affiliates, including GZERO Media, to clarify the types of data we collect, how we collect it, how we use data and with whom we share data. By using our website you consent to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, including the transfer of your personal data to the United States from your country of residence, and our use of cookies described in our Cookie Policy.
{{ subpage.title }}
Wanted: Digital nomads
They will come … if you open the door, and Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser plans to do just that. At a tech conference in Toronto on Tuesday, he announced two plans to make it easier for highly sought-after specialized workers to move north — which looks like a talent raid on the United States.
Fraser announced that Canada will make it possible for “digital nomads” to work in Canada for up to six months – even if their employers are elsewhere. He also announced plans to invite H-1B visa holders in the US to work in Canada for up to three years. This means highly skilled foreign workers who have already been vetted by the US government will have the option to move to Canada, where they and their immediate family members will be welcome, an apparent attempt to lure educated workers north.
The news made headlines in India, the source of many skilled STEM workers in both Canada and the United States. Fraser also promised to lay out details later this year to open Canada to “some of the world's most talented people” with a third stream for specialized workers.
While American politicians face political upheaval over immigration thanks to highly partisan views over what happens at the US-Mexico border, Canada is trying to capitalize on its more open attitudes toward newcomers to attract skilled workers. Trudeau’s government has successfully boosted immigration without much political blowback – in fact, in the first three months of the year, Canada welcomed more than 145,000 immigrants, the highest number since 1972.
How can the Biden administration rein in Big Tech?
Renowned tech journalist Kara Swisher has no qualms about saying that many of the country's social media companies need to be held accountable for their negative role in our current national discourse. Swisher calls for "a less friendly relationship with tech" by the Biden administration, an "internet bill of rights" around privacy, and an investigation into antitrust issues.
Swisher, who hosts the New York Times podcast Sway, joins Ian Bremmer for the latest episode of GZERO World, airing on public television nationwide beginning this Friday, January 22th. Check local listings.