Canada and Ontario Collaborate to Enhance Immigration Benefits
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Overview of the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement
On November 24, 2017, a pivotal agreement on immigration was formalized at Queen’s Park, Toronto. The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Honourable Laura Albanese, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, signed the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement (COIA). This framework aims to attract skilled newcomers, enhance economic growth, and address shared humanitarian duties.
Key Features of the Agreement
COIA emphasizes collaboration between Canada and Ontario to welcome and settle immigrants. It defines roles, responsibilities, and shared priorities such as policy selection, program integrity, attracting French-speaking immigrants, and supporting newcomer and refugee settlement.
Investment in Bridge Training Programs
In a joint initiative, up to $91 million will be invested in bridge training programs over three years. This includes $70 million from Ontario and up to $21 million from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. These programs are designed to help internationally trained newcomers meet provincial work requirements.
Statements from Officials
“Ontario is a top destination for new permanent residents in Canada, welcoming over 100,000 newcomers annually. Our new agreement sets the stage for Canada and Ontario to achieve mutual immigration goals.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Immigration benefits both Ontario and Canada. The Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement bolsters Ontario’s capability to collaborate with the federal government in attracting skilled newcomers, enhancing our economies, and contributing to Canada’s prosperity.”
– The Honourable Laura Albanese, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Quick Facts
- Canada’s multi-year levels plan aims to welcome nearly one million new permanent residents by the end of 2020, with Ontario as a primary destination.
- COIA will govern Canada-Ontario immigration relations for five years.
- Effective immediately, COIA includes annexes detailing arrangements for provincial nominees and foreign workers. Future annexes will address collaboration on French-speaking immigrants, international students, and municipal governments’ roles.
- The Government of Canada is investing over $334 million in settlement services for Ontario newcomers in 2017-18.
- Ontario is investing more than $110 million in 2017-2018 for language training, settlement, and employment programs for newcomers and refugees.
Associated Links
- Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement
- Ontario’s Bridge Training Program
- Ontario’s services for newcomers and refugees
Contact Information
For media inquiries:
Hursh Jaswal
Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
Sara Amash
Minister’s Office, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
416-325-6205
Laura Sylvis
Communications Branch, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
416-314-7010
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement?
The agreement seeks to strengthen Canada and Ontario’s partnership in welcoming and settling immigrants, boosting the economy, and addressing humanitarian duties.
How much is being invested in bridge training programs?
A total of up to $91 million will be invested over three years, with $70 million from Ontario and up to $21 million from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
What are the main goals of the COIA?
The goals include attracting skilled newcomers, enhancing economic growth, and providing settlement support for newcomers and refugees.
How long will COIA govern the immigration relationship between Canada and Ontario?
COIA will guide the immigration relationship for the next five years.
What are the key investment areas for newcomer support?
Investments focus on language training, settlement, and employment programs for newcomers and refugees.
