A Collaborative Vision for Canada's Immigration Future

July 28, 2021 – In a pivotal virtual meeting, the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) convened to chart the course for Canada's immigration policy as the nation embarks on a journey of growth and economic recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the assembly provided an opportunity for ministers to reflect on valuable lessons learned and to reaffirm their dedication to a robust federal-provincial/territorial (FPT) partnership that ensures timely and meaningful collaboration.

Adapting to Pandemic Challenges

Over the past year, FPT governments have introduced a series of innovative measures to adapt the immigration system to the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. Key initiatives include:

• Virtual Services: Implementing online platforms to maintain services for immigration clients.
• Program Adjustments: Tailoring programming for provincial nominees and international students to meet evolving needs.

Progress and Strategic Planning

During the meeting, ministers reviewed the progress made on the FPT Strategic Plan for Immigration (SPI), originally approved in July 2020. Significant strides have been made in several key areas:

• Immigration Levels Planning: Developing strategic plans to determine appropriate immigration levels.
• Regional Economic Immigration: Strengthening programs to bolster community vitality and meet labor market demands.

Public support for immigration remains robust in Canada, underscoring its role as a cornerstone of economic and population growth. Ministers committed to continuing their cooperative efforts to ensure that long-term FPT immigration goals align with Canada’s aspirations for future prosperity.

Enhancing the Immigration Process

To further aid Canada's economic recovery, the FMRI plans to streamline processing times by exploring improvements in the selection and processing of economic immigrant applications. Additional efforts will focus on:

• Temporary Resident Policies: Enhancing collaboration to refine policies, programs, and pathways to permanent residency.

Addressing Key Priorities

Ministers engaged in discussions on several critical areas, including:

• Multi-Year Levels Planning: Emphasizing economic immigration.
• Regional Immigration Distribution: Leveraging the Provincial Nominee Program's success.
• Francophone Immigration: Strengthening recruitment outside Quebec.
• Settlement Services: Enhancing support for permanent and temporary residents.

Participating ministers pledged to ensure that FPT immigration programs remain complementary and responsive to regional needs, fostering an inclusive and prosperous Canada.

Quebec’s Unique Role

As per the Canada-Québec Accord, Quebec holds observer status at the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers’ Table and assumes sole responsibility for its immigration policies, including levels, selection, francization, and integration. The province continues to develop its policies and programs independently, legislating and setting its standards in areas under its jurisdiction.

Absence of Nova Scotia

Notably, Nova Scotia did not participate in the meeting due to a provincial election.

About the FMRI

The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) is an FPT decision-making body dedicated to supporting a flexible, timely, and effective immigration system for Canada. Established in 2020, the FMRI's vision articulates a coordinated strategic plan aimed at maximizing the positive economic and social benefits of immigration across all regions of Canada. Its mission is to advance joint immigration priorities and enhance Canada's immigration policies and programs, ensuring they continue to serve the nation’s evolving needs.

As Canada navigates the post-pandemic landscape, the collaborative spirit demonstrated at the FMRI meeting signals a promising path forward for a dynamic and inclusive immigration system.