As London attracts global investment and as local companies scale and develop new technologies, many firms require highly specialized skills that are not immediately available in the local labour market. The Global Talent Stream (GTS) and the Designated Service Channel (DSC) help employers bring in the niche skills that accelerate innovation, strengthen local teams, and create more jobs in London.
LEDC helps employers access both programs and navigate them with confidence.
The GTS is a federal program designed for innovative, high-growth companies that need to fill hard-to-source roles quickly. Qualifying employers can bring in specialized talent with processing times as fast as two weeks. These positions often require deep technical knowledge, such as AI architecture, advanced robotics planning, or niche biomedical engineering, that may not be readily available locally. LEDC guides employers through the GTS process, ensuring they meet the program requirements and can integrate talent efficiently. By bringing these skills into local teams, companies can accelerate product development, expand operations and strengthen divisions, all of which create new opportunities for London’s workforce.
The DSC provides a different form of support, offering a higher level of personalized guidance for companies making significant investments in Canada. Through this channel, employers gain access to a dedicated IRCC account manager who serves as a single point of contact. This service is especially valuable for foreign direct investment clients who must bring several team members to Canada to execute major projects, transfer proprietary knowledge, or manage complex technology integrations, work that enables local hiring and long-term growth.
London’s workforce is one of Ontario’s strongest: educated, diverse and future-ready. Each year, graduates from Western University and Fanshawe College join a skilled local labour force across advanced manufacturing, agri-food, healthcare, and technology. Newcomers drawn by London’s opportunities and quality of life bring global perspectives that strengthen the city’s innovation economy and fuel business expansion.
“Global expertise often unlocks local job creation,” says Christine Wilton, Director of Workforce Development at LEDC. “We help companies scale by accessing the talent they need, while strengthening London’s workforce and driving innovation and sustainable economic growth.”
As the region’s IRCC-designated referral partner, LEDC supports employers through both the GTS and DSC pathways, ensuring companies can navigate processes confidently and keep critical projects moving forward. With the right expertise in place, employers are better positioned to grow, attract investment, and create high-quality jobs for Londoners.
When local and global talent come together, the result is clear: more jobs, more investment, and a thriving workforce ecosystem. By combining strong local pipelines with access to specialized global expertise, London continues building one of Ontario’s most forward-looking and adaptable workforces—ready for what’s next.
To learn more about these programs and how LEDC can help, please visit Workforce Development | London Economic Development Corporation
