The future of Canada’s immigration system
The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) met in New Brunswick to discuss the future of immigration in Canada. In this meeting, the ministers focused on initiatives to respond to Canadian labour shortages. They also explore a plan for a more responsive and collaborative immigration system.
Some of the topics included:
- Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan,
- economic and regional needs,
- settlement funds and refugee resettlement.
During the meeting, provincial/territorial (PT) ministers called for more involvement in the selection process of economic immigrants. They also asked for timely multi-year allocations before March 31st, 2023.
The big takeaway of this meeting is that Canada’s immigration ministers agreed to develop this multi-year Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocation plan. Moreover, they would finalize the multi-year PNP plan by March 31, 2023. In addition, the Minister Sean Fraser is seeking to table the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025 by November 1st of this year.
Currently, Canada sets its permanent residence targets over a three-year period. However, PNP allocations are determined on an annual basis. The rationale for a multi-year PNP plan is similar to why Canada has a multi-year Immigration Levels Plan. The rationale has been to allow stakeholders (including the government, the settlement sector, and employers) to plan in advance for higher immigration levels.
“This joint meeting has allowed us to strategize on ways to streamline the immigration process to help provinces and territories meet their labour market priorities while finding ways to be more flexible in our approaches. We will continue to find ways to improve the experience of all immigration candidates and employers throughout the immigration process.”
The Honourable Arlene Dunn, Minister Responsible for Immigration, Minister Responsible for Opportunities New Brunswick.
Other topics of the meeting
The immigration ministers also discussed assisting Afghan refugees, supporting Ukrainians, and improving application processing times. They also talked about taking steps to strengthen public support for immigration in Canada, among other topics.
About the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI)
The FMRI is a federal-provincial/territorial decision-making body. They meet each year with the goal of supporting a flexible, timely and effective immigration system for Canada. In 2020, FPT Ministers established a vision for immigration to Canada and a mission for the FMRI. The vision articulates a coordinated strategic plan for a system that strengthens the positive economic and social benefits of immigration. The FMRI’s mission is to advance joint immigration priorities and to enhance Canada’s immigration policies and programs.
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