Ottawa, Jan 4 (IANS): Canada plans to give employment to skilled foreign workers in a bid to address the country's serious" labour shortages, a media report said Friday.

The Skilled Trades Program will address labour shortages that some regions are facing, and will help grow Canada's economy, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said.

"These long-overdue changes are part of the government's plan to build a fast and flexible immigration system, responsive to the needs of Canada's economy," he said.

Canada will accept applications from up to 3,000 skilled workers in 43 occupations, such as electricians, welders, equipment mechanics and pipe-fitters, China Daily reported.

To qualify for the programme, foreign applicants need to have an employment offer in Canada, or a certificate of qualification from a province or one of Canada's three territories ensuring they are "job ready" upon their arrival.

Applicants must also be able to demonstrate proficiency in one of Canada's two official languages - English and French - as well as have a minimum of two years of work experience as a skilled tradesperson.

Kenney has said that a new web-based Expression of Interest (EOI) system will be implemented to match would-be international employees with Canadian employers.

Prospective immigrants will have to fill online application forms highlighting their language proficiency, work experience and educational credentials, the daily added.