Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
Provinces Push for Immigration Power
Provincial leaders demand more control over immigration to address local needs
Canadian provinces are advocating for increased autonomy over immigration policies, citing the ability to better address local labor needs. During the recent Council of the Federation meeting in Huntsville, Ontario, provincial leaders voiced dissatisfaction with federal immigration controls, particularly concerning economic immigration and delays in asylum work permits. In response, the federal government has allocated $3.2 billion for immigrant settlement services, yet tensions persist over these governance issues.
Provinces are pushing for more control over immigration levels through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which was affected by allocations being halved in 2024 under Justin Trudeau's administration. This reduction has heightened concerns about meeting labor market demands, with officials like Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew highlighting the potential economic impact on sectors reliant on immigrant workers.
Furthermore, significant delays in processing asylum seekers' work permits are hindering individuals from entering the workforce, with nearly 100,000 asylum seekers in Ontario experiencing such delays. Quebec Premier François Legault has criticized Canada's processing times, which average three years, compared to three months in France.
Despite these challenges, Immigration Minister Lena Diab has expressed a commitment to working with provinces, bolstered by the recent funding aimed at supporting immigrant integration. However, provincial leaders continue to call for more robust measures to expedite the integration process.
The provinces' pursuit of more control over immigration policies could lead to a more tailored approach that better aligns with regional economic conditions, though it may also present challenges to maintaining a cohesive national immigration strategy. As discussions continue, the future of Canada's immigration framework remains uncertain and subject to change.
