Ministers Forge Path for Canada’s Immigration Future in Toronto Meeting

November 17, 2023—Toronto, Ontario — Today, the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) convened in Toronto to deliberate on the trajectory of Canada’s immigration policy. The meeting underscored a unified strategy aimed at addressing both opportunities and challenges within the immigration landscape, particularly focusing on economic immigration to fulfill labor market demands, while also addressing the strains on social infrastructure, housing, and settlement services.

A Unified Approach to Immigration

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a collaborative approach, emphasizing the principle of shared jurisdiction and mutual respect between federal and provincial-territorial roles in immigration. They collectively acknowledged immigration as a cornerstone of Canada's identity, contributing significantly to its diversity, economic growth, and labor market demands. Furthermore, they underscored the importance of Canada’s humanitarian efforts and the support for vulnerable newcomers.

Key Themes from the IRCC Report

The ministers were presented with findings from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) report titled An Immigration System for Canada’s Future. The report highlights:

• Creating a Welcoming Experience: Ensuring newcomers receive a warm reception.
• Aligning Immigration with Labor Needs: Continuing to match immigration policies with labor market requirements.
• Coordinated Growth Plans: Developing comprehensive growth strategies in collaboration with federal and provincial-territorial (FPT) partners to support immigrants and communities effectively.

Provinces and territories shared insights into future immigration system challenges and opportunities, stressing the need for a balanced approach.

Immigration Levels and Priorities for 2024-2026

Discussions extended to the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan, examining FPT priorities such as:

• Economic Immigration: Emphasizing the expansion of provincial nominee programs.
• Family Reunification: Continuing efforts to bring families together.
• Humanitarian Commitments: Meeting international responsibilities.

Provincial and Territorial Ministers advocated for an increased Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) share in immigration planning and emphasized the significance of attracting immigrants to areas beyond major urban centers.

Streamlining Processes and Supporting Francophone Immigration

The ministers also deliberated on reducing administrative redundancies, processing times, and bolstering Francophone immigration outside Quebec. They emphasized that immigration planning should be sensitive to each region's capacity to integrate newcomers while addressing systemic pressures such as housing and infrastructure.

Enhancing Economic Immigration Systems

Further discussions from March 2023 continued, focusing on developing a more responsive, client-centered economic immigration system. Solutions proposed included promoting complementary federal and provincial-territorial selection programs, addressing labor market needs, and supporting underserved communities.

Credential Recognition and Workforce Integration

The ministers pledged to collaborate with the Forum of Labour Market Ministers to reduce barriers in foreign credential recognition (FCR), especially in regulated professions like healthcare and skilled trades. Initiatives could involve selecting candidates who are practice-ready or on a clear path to licensing, alongside informing newcomers about licensing requirements before their arrival.

Humanitarian Efforts and Crisis Response

Canada’s humanitarian response was another focal point, including resettlement efforts for Afghan refugees and offering safe haven to Ukrainians. Ministers discussed creating a consistent crisis response framework to better support foreign nationals requiring protection, emphasizing improved data collection and collaboration.

Settlement Services and International Student Program

The importance of enhancing settlement services to improve newcomer outcomes was discussed, alongside addressing challenges within the International Student Program. Ministers agreed on the necessity of aligning work permit programs with labor market needs and reassessing eligibility requirements to attract and retain students.

Focus on Francophone Immigration

Efforts to attract Francophone newcomers were also reviewed, with a task set for officials to evaluate the 2018 FPT Action Plan for Increasing Francophone Immigration Outside Quebec. This initiative aims to enhance the promotion, selection, settlement, integration, and retention of French-speaking immigrants in minority communities across Canada.

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