Like many western societies, the country's population is ageing, while many doctors, engineers, academics and other professionals are lured south to the United States by higher salaries.

The minister claims that economic growth is being hindered in cities like Edmonton, Calgary and Fort McMurray because not enough qualified workers are on hand to fill jobs. He says that 6,000 long-haul trucks are sitting idle in New Brunswick for lack of drivers.

'It's a big country with lots of room and we need people,' says Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration spokesman Stephen Heckbert. 'The immigration system needs to be less rigid. We can support more people as long as population growth is planned and co-ordinated.'

Canada has eased some of its immigration restrictions in recent years. The pass mark for immigration selection was reduced in 2003 from 75 points to 67, with points awarded on a sliding scale for factors such as age, education and language skills.

In addition, immigrants aged over 55 no longer need to sit tests for their language abilities or knowledge of Canada to gain citizenship.

Nevertheless, the immigration process is notoriously slow and bureaucratic, involving dozens of forms, statements and other documents. The whole process costs about C$2,000 ($13,300) in fees.

'The fees are not a barrier,' Mr Heckbert said. 'We have a long line of people wanting to come to Canada.'

China is the leading country of origin for Canada's immigrants, followed by India, the Philippines, Pakistan and the United States.

So will Canada's immigration campaign target particular professionals like doctors and engineers?

'Right now we need people to deliver fried chicken in Fort McMurray,' said Mr Heckbert, referring to the remote mining town in northern Alberta. 'I'm not joking. The local takeaway pays its drivers C$25 an hour, but can't hang onto them.'

He said Fort McMurray would also welcome an influx of single females. 'The men outnumber the women, so if you're a single woman, Fort McMurray is your town.'