Canada’s Plan to Boost Economy and Create Jobs through Immigration
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Overview of the Immigration Levels Plan
On March 12, 2020, the Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, introduced the 2020‒2022 Immigration Levels Plan in the House of Commons. This initiative is designed to bolster the Canadian economy, stimulate innovation, and provide employers with access to essential talent.
With the new plan, the Canadian government aims to address demographic challenges posed by an aging population and enhance competitiveness in the global market. The plan outlines a gradual increase in the number of permanent residents, targeting 341,000 in 2020, 351,000 in 2021, and 361,000 in 2022.
Key Commitments of the Immigration Plan
Population Growth and Economic Development
- Strategically increasing Canada’s population through responsible immigration levels.
- Establishing the Atlantic Immigration Pilot as a permanent program to foster economic growth in Atlantic Canada, with 5,000 admissions.
- Introducing a new stream to protect human rights advocates, journalists, and humanitarian workers at risk abroad.
- Supporting the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot and the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot to meet specific labor market demands.
- Enhancing family reunification efforts by maintaining high admission levels.
- Improving processing times and service delivery at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Francophone Immigration and Provincial Programs
The plan includes initiatives to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec, supporting the integration and retention of French-speaking newcomers. With expanded space for Provincial Nominee Programs, as well as the Atlantic and Agri-Food Immigration Pilots, the plan targets labor market needs across Canada, ensuring businesses can secure necessary talent.
Minister’s Statement
“Our immigration system benefits all Canadians by strengthening the middle class, keeping families together, and building inclusive communities. This increase in immigration levels supports a system that will help Canadian businesses create good middle-class jobs and grow the economy while ensuring Canada continues to meet its humanitarian obligations around the world.”
– The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Key Takeaways
- The new immigration plan aims to increase permanent immigration to nearly 1% of the population by 2022.
- A comprehensive stakeholder and public engagement exercise in 2019 influenced the plan’s development.
- Collaboration with provincial and territorial representatives was a crucial component of the planning process.
- The Immigration Matters campaign showcases the benefits of immigration across Canadian communities.
- The Canada-Quebec Accord allows Quebec to set its own immigration levels.
Related Resources
- 2020‒2022 Immigration Levels Plan and Supplementary Information
- 2019 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration
- 2019 Stakeholder Consultations on Levels
- Canada-Quebec Accord
Contact Information
Media Inquiries Only
Kevin Lemkay
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the 2020‒2022 Immigration Levels Plan?
The plan aims to grow Canada’s economy, stimulate innovation, and address labor market needs by increasing immigration levels responsibly.
How will the plan impact Francophone communities?
It will enhance Francophone immigration outside Quebec, facilitating the integration and retention of French-speaking newcomers.
What are the new streams introduced in the plan?
The plan introduces a stream for human rights advocates, journalists, and humanitarian workers at risk, among others.
Why is immigration important for Canada’s economy?
Immigration fuels economic growth, provides skilled labor, and helps Canada remain competitive globally.
How does the plan support family reunification?
By maintaining high admission levels, the plan prioritizes keeping families together in Canada.
