Canada's budget opens up new opportunities for immigrants
Federal Plan 2021 aims to restore jobs, growth and resilience.
On April 19, Canada's Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland unveiled the 2021 budget. As part of ending the impact of COVID-19, the federal plan aims to fully restore the country's economy and strengthen the position of the working population. It presents options to support businesses, as well as investments to create jobs and help businesses.
Immigration accounted for half of Canada's average GDP growth from 2016 to 2019 and nearly three-quarters of its growth in 2019. The government recognizes that immigrants contribute to growing the Canadian economy, attracting top talent and increasing investment capital.
Creating a modern immigration platform
The 2021 budget proposes to invest $428.9 million CAD in digital infrastructure development. $398.5 million will remain for amortization, starting in 2021-2022, to develop and implement a new digital platform that will replace the outdated Global Case Management System (GCMS). This will accelerate the processing of applications and support for applicants starting in 2023.
Expansion of the temporary foreign worker programme
The $49.5 million CAD, from 2021-2022, is planned to go to Employment and Community Development Canada to support community organizations that provide assistance to newly arrived immigrants or those in emergency situations.
$54.9 million for employment and social development of immigrants and refugees, to provide temporary foreign workers with appropriate working conditions and wages.
Support for women without work experience
Budget 2021 proposes allocating $15 million CAD to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to expand a pilot initiative for newcomer women. It will help improve employment and career outcomes for women.
Fast track to permanent residence
The government plans to modernize the system by which immigrants obtain permanent residency in Canada. Professionals and workers who are already in the country will be able to make permanent residence in Canada much faster.
Optimizing Express Entry
A number of reforms are planned to increase Express Entry's effectiveness to help Canada achieve its 2021-2023 Immigration Plan.
The Government of Canada also intends to propose amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The changes will affect the powers of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada.
It will be given the opportunity to use ministerial guidance to select candidates who best fit the needs of the Canadian labour market from a growing pool of applicants.
