Federal provincial territorial forum of Ministers responsible for Immigration meet to discuss future immigration planning

October 12, 2016—Winnipeg, MB – Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for immigration met today in Winnipeg to talk about the future of immigration in Canada. Ministers discussed how immigration can support sustainable, long-term economic growth across the country while celebrating diversity and encouraging the inclusion of all newcomers to Canada.

Ministers discussed the need for a more responsive immigration system that attracts and retains global talent to deliver economic benefits to all jurisdictions. All ministers present agreed that immigration, including the number of permanent residents Canada accepts each year, plays an important role in helping build a welcoming and strong country. Ministers affirmed a commitment to positive economic and social outcomes for all newcomers, including refugees. Ministers agreed to work together to explore improvements to the settlement programs, including information and data sharing, to ensure newcomers are supported in their settlement and equipped to participate in the labour market. They discussed the need for processing improvements for economic immigration and a review to determine where there may be duplication of administration between federal and provincial governments. Provincial and territorial ministers expressed a desire for incremental growth in the Provincial Nominee Program allocations.

“Immigration is key to Canada’s economic growth and cultural diversity. Provinces and territories are key partners in ensuring that we do not take this positive view of immigration for granted. We continue to work together to ensure that we achieve the significant economic and social benefits associated with successfully integrating newcomers, while at the same time meeting the Government’s family reunification priority as well as Canada’s commitments to humanitarian protection,” said Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister, John McCallum.

Ministers also discussed the importance of foreign qualifications recognition, as well as the role played by Francophone immigrants in contributing to the vitality of Francophone communities across the country.

“Provinces and territories continue to work with the federal government on the objectives of Canada’s Vision Action Plan for Immigration. We are encouraged by the collaborative approach taken to developing the immigration levels plan, as predictability and flexibility are key to achieving our shared immigration objectives. We will continue to partner with the federal government to create an immigration system that is responsive to the diverse economic and labour market needs of all of Canada’s regions,” said Ian Wishart, Manitoba Minister of Education and Training and provincial/territorial co-chair of the forum of ministers responsible for immigration.

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord Relating to Immigration and Temporary Admission of Aliens, Quebec fully assumes sole responsibility for establishing immigration levels and for the selection, francization and integration of immigrants. In areas under its responsibility, Quebec develops its policies and programs, legislates, regulates and sets its own standards.