Canada hosted a meeting of all immigration ministers

On Friday, November 17, Toronto hosted the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration. Federal, provincial and territorial officials expressed support for a coordinated approach to immigration issues.

The main difficulties they identified are as follows:

• labor shortage;
• social infrastructure constraints;
• housing shortage;
• difficulties in obtaining settlement services.

The Ministers agreed that immigration is a key component of a country's fabric as it contributes to its diversity, economy and labor market needs. Ministers also agreed on the importance of supporting Canada's response to humanitarian crises and addressing the needs of vulnerable newcomers.

The main issues on the agenda were, of course, the new immigration plan and Mark Miller's "An Immigration System for Canada's Future" report. Provinces and territories shared their views on the future of Canada's immigration system and the challenges and opportunities facing their jurisdictions. In particular, provincial and territorial ministers called for an increased proportion of PNP (provincial nominations) in planning immigration levels.

Economic migration, namely the targeted selection of professionals in critical professions, was discussed separately. Ministers pledged to work in cooperation with the Forum of Ministers of the Labor Market on initiatives to recognize foreign credentials, especially in regulated professions such as health care.

The Ministry now sees its urgent task as creating and strengthening the link between candidate selection and licensing, and making it easier for professionals to work upon arrival. As a solution to the problem, it is proposed to:

• selecting candidates who are ready to practice or are on the path to licensure;
• efforts to raise awareness of licensing requirements so that newcomers can begin the licensing process before arriving in Canada.

Ministers also considered the experience of jurisdictions that provide foreign credential recognition for newcomers through provincial immigration programs or the Atlantic Immigration Program.

The provinces also agreed on a humanitarian immigration strategy, taking into account the need to integrate newcomers. Immigration Minister Mark Miller was pleased with the agreements reached:

"As Canada continues to welcome newcomers, we will continue to work across all levels of government to ensure that housing, infrastructure planning and sustainable population growth are taken into account so that newcomers are set up for success. I look forward to continued discussions and collaboration with my provincial and territorial colleagues."

The discussion also touched on changes to the Foreign Student Program and the work permit system. Officials are determined to bring it in line with the needs of the provincial-territorial labor market.