Immigration priorities discussed in Canada

On July 28, the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration took place in Canada. Federal Minister Sean Fraser and the country's provincial and territorial ministers participated. The officials discussed pressing issues, problems and goals.

Ministers agreed that Canada has been effective in rebuilding the economy after the pandemic through immigration, as well as in assisting people relocating because of war or other issues at home and helping new immigrants succeed.

Although Canada's immigration system is one of the best in the world, it can be improved. Officials believe it should be more flexible and meet the labour market needs of Canada's regions.

Shortly before the meeting, several regional ministers urged the federal government to increase quotas in provincial immigration programs. According to Sean Fraser, it is not yet known how much immigration will increase in each province or territory because the federal government needs to talk more with regional governments.

However, it was decided to develop a multi-year plan for immigrant distribution by region of the country. Canada now publishes a general immigration plan for three years, while the immigrant admission goals of each province and territory are set for one year. Now they will be set for three years, too. The first plan will be published in March 2023.

Officials believe the three-year plan will allow regions to plan the immigration invitations issuing more effectively and improve provincial programs as needed.

Officials also agreed that processing times for immigration applications should be shortened. Right now, there are big delays in Canada, and applicants have to wait months to move.

In addition, the meeting covered such topics as initiatives to combat labour shortages, modernizing the Express Entry system, increasing immigration to rural and remote areas, and accepting migrants from Ukraine and refugees from Afghanistan.