Immigration Minister Marc Miller aims to limit the proportion of temporary residents in Canada to 5% of the total population of Canada within three years by granting more temporary residents Permanent Residency (PR) status. The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) met in Montreal on May 10 to discuss Canada's immigration planning for 2025-2027, covering topics such as the economic and social benefits of immigration, levels of permanent and temporary residents, and capacity pressures.
This marked Miller's initial discussion with other immigration ministers since announcing restrictions on temporary resident levels. While acknowledging the contributions of temporary residents to Canada's prosperity, labor markets, and cultural diversity, ministers stressed the need to manage reductions in their numbers strategically, employing data-driven approaches.
Several provincial ministers suggested expanding their immigration programs to help temporary residents, including temporary foreign workers, international students, individuals responding to international humanitarian crises, and asylum claimants, transition into Canadian permanent residents.
Miller emphasized that the discussions held today were highly productive, focusing on the significant immigration challenges the nation is currently facing. They delved into strategies for integrating temporary residents into immigration planning, while also tackling labor market shortages and ensuring the successful integration of newcomers into communities.
A commitment was expressed to continued collaboration to alleviate capacity pressures, maintain sustainable population growth, and ensure access to social programs.
Furthermore, provincial, and territorial ministers urged the federal government to reverse the $625 million cuts to employment services under the labor market transfer agreements (LMTAs). They stressed the importance of strong collaboration and coordination between different levels of government to enhance the effectiveness of federal, provincial, and territorial immigration programs, including the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Ministers also deliberated recent federal government actions, which included modifications to the International Student Program (ISP). They emphasized that the ISP falls under both immigration - a shared responsibility - and education, solely within provincial jurisdiction.
Moreover, they acknowledged updates to existing work permit programs in Ottawa, underscoring the importance of better aligning them with short- and long-term labor market needs at the regional level. This includes strategically deploying temporary foreign workers in specific economic sectors.
Concerning refugees and asylum seekers, Ministers initiated talks on Canada's role in providing refuge for individuals displaced by crises in Afghanistan, Gaza, Iran, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, and Ukraine. As Canada gains recognition as a sanctuary offering protection and aid to those in need on humanitarian grounds, Ministers stressed the ongoing necessity for collaboration and cooperation regarding the federal crisis response framework, guiding Canada's response to humanitarian crises.
In 2023, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) processed a total of 72,320 asylum claims at various entry points and Inland Offices. During the same period, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processed 71,455 asylum claims, resulting in a combined total of 143,770 asylum claims processed in 2023 – surpassing the previous record set in 2022 by 1.5 times.
Last month, concerns emerged regarding the misuse of study permits by international students, who are using them to enter the country and seek asylum. The Globe and Mail reported a significant increase of nearly 650 percent in asylum claims by foreign students over the past five years. Ministers also discussed the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and their crucial role in addressing regional economic and labor market demands.
“Ministers recognized the challenges faced by some provincial and territorial ministers due to the growth in both permanent and non-permanent immigration. They emphasized the importance of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in ensuring the equitable distribution of economic benefits from immigration across the country," stated Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Immigration and Career Training and co-chair of the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration.
"Provincial and territorial ministers advocated for additional PNP allocations to address their specific needs, including expediting the permanent residency of Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel visa-holders. They also highlighted the necessity of extending federal settlement support to temporary residents who are on a pathway to permanent residency."
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