IRCC Minister Marc Miller is considering extending post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) for individuals in healthcare and specific trades, responding to requests from provinces. During a meeting at the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI), Minister Miller assured accommodation, pending data sharing from provinces.
Minister Miller’s discussions with provincial and territorial immigration ministers emphasized finding a balance in immigration priorities, including integrating temporary workers into immigration planning. All Canadian provinces and territories’ immigration ministers convened at the FMRI.
Ministers reached consensus on supporting asylum seekers and Canada’s response to humanitarian crises through a new federal policy framework. Additionally, they urged counterparts to share data on temporary residents transitioning to permanent residents, especially within Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
While not all topics saw unanimous agreement, Minister Miller affirmed commitment to collaboration. The federal government aims to reduce the proportion of temporary residents to 5% of Canada’s total population over three years, with the current figure at 6.2%.
Reflecting on the previous FMRI meeting in 2023, discussions centered on the Immigration Levels Plan 2024–2026. The plan includes substantial utilization of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to admit 110,000 new permanent residents in 2024, rising to 120,000 annually in 2025 and 2026, predominantly for economic immigration.
Provincial ministers emphasized increasing PNP’s role in immigration planning and collaborating with the federal government to attract and retain immigrants outside major urban centers. Francophone immigration, reduction of duplication, and processing times were also focal points.
The importance of immigrant experience enhancement, labor market alignment, and cohesive expansion planning were underscored, requiring federal, provincial, and territorial cooperation.
Provinces and territories offered insights on Canada’s immigration laws, addressing region-specific opportunities and challenges. Immigration remains pivotal for Canada’s economic and population growth, stabilizing at 500,000 new permanent residents annually by 2025 and 2026 as outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan.