Globalization and rapid technological advancement have intensified the global competition for highly educated professionals, positioning them as key drivers of economic growth. Canada prioritizes economic-class immigrants, often portraying them as a “ready-made solution” to address labour shortages, declining fertility rates, an ageing population, and to remain competitive in the global knowledge-based economy. However, systemic barriers continue to marginalize skilled, racialized immigrants, preventing them from accessing employment that aligns with their qualifications and experience. This results in widespread deskilling and underemployment, epitomized by the “doctors and engineers driving cabs” phenomenon, where once-valued expertise is devalued or dismissed. This chapter critically examines the disconnect between Canada’s image as a land of opportunity and the lived experiences of skilled immigrants within its labour market. These invisible and artificial barriers represent more than just economic inefficiency; they signify a fundamental failure to deliver on the promised economic opportunities of immigration and call into question Canada’s narratives of diversity, inclusivity, and multiculturalism. The exclusion of skilled, racialized immigrants from appropriate professional roles reveals a labour market shaped by systemic racism and colonial legacies. As a result, Canada squanders the significant potential contributions of these individuals to its knowledge economy and demographic revitalization. To address this systemic crisis, the chapter argues that Canada must move beyond branding and commit to meaningful, structural reform. This requires coordinated action from all key stakeholders—government, the private sector, civil society, and citizens—to dismantle exclusionary barriers based on race, gender, and immigration status. The chapter also highlights the vital role of social work in policy advocacy, community support, and in challenging systemic inequities. It concludes that Canada must implement bold, equity-driven reforms to build a truly inclusive labour market that fully recognizes and utilizes the skills of its immigrant population.