Federal-Provincial-Territorial Immigration Ministers Unite to Enhance Canada’s Immigration System

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Canada’s Immigration Planning for 2025–2027

The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) gathered in Montréal on May 10, 2024, to deliberate on Canada’s immigration levels for the years 2025–2027. The discussions focused on the economic and social advantages of immigration, the balance of permanent and temporary residents, and the pressures on capacity.

Collaborative Efforts and Economic Integration

The ministers highlighted the critical role of a well-managed immigration system in spreading immigration benefits across the nation. They stressed the importance of robust public services in welcoming and integrating newcomers. Additionally, they urged the federal government to reinstate $625 million in cuts to employment services, crucial for workers, newcomers, job seekers, and vulnerable Canadians.

Provincial and territorial ministers emphasized the need for strong collaboration to leverage immigration programs like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), addressing regional labor market needs and aligning with economic, cultural, and societal goals. They reaffirmed Canada’s tradition of welcoming newcomers, including the world’s most vulnerable.

Balancing Temporary and Permanent Residents

Ministers discussed the federal government’s plan to include temporary residents in the annual immigration levels for the first time and to reduce their population to 5% of Canada’s total. Temporary residents, such as foreign workers, international students, and asylum claimants, are integral to Canada’s prosperity and cultural diversity.

Ministers also stressed the need for a strategic reduction in temporary resident numbers, focusing on labor market demands in key industries. A data-driven approach will help monitor the impact of federal measures aimed at reducing temporary resident volumes.

Addressing Humanitarian Crises and Asylum Challenges

With global conflicts and crises on the rise, Canada continues to lead in welcoming displaced individuals, including those affected by crises in Afghanistan, Gaza, Iran, Sudan, Syria, and Türkiye. The implementation of the Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program was also discussed, along with solutions for Ukrainians seeking permanent residency in Canada.

Strengthening the Asylum System

Ministers acknowledged the need to enhance the asylum system to provide protection and support, ensuring Canada fulfills its humanitarian commitments. They emphasized collaboration to aid the arrival and integration of vulnerable newcomers and discussed the federal crisis response framework.

Managing Asylum Claimant Pressures

Recognizing the challenges of increased asylum claim volumes, ministers agreed on the importance of fair and timely claim processing to facilitate successful community integration. They proposed establishing a working group to manage asylum claimant flows and resource allocation, addressing pressures particularly in Ontario and Quebec.

The Role of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Ministers affirmed the significance of PNPs in supporting regional economic and labor market needs. They highlighted the potential of PNPs in transitioning individuals from temporary to permanent residency. Concerns about PNP allocation levels for 2024 were raised, along with calls for increased PNP shares in immigration planning.

Pathways from Temporary to Permanent Residency

Ministers noted that increasing PNP allocations could align temporary-to-permanent residency pathways with provincial and territorial priorities, supporting the federal goal of reducing temporary residents. They committed to advancing joint immigration priorities, respecting federal and provincial-territorial roles.

Notable Quotes

“Today we had very productive discussions on the key immigration challenges that we face as a country. We discussed how to factor in temporary residents into immigration levels planning while addressing labor market shortages and successfully integrating newcomers in our communities. We will continue to work collaboratively to reduce capacity pressures, while assuring sustainable population growth and access to social programs.”

– The Honourable Marc Miller, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“Today provincial and territorial (PT) immigration ministers provided an essential regional perspective into Canada’s immigration levels planning. PT ministers cautioned the federal caps on admissions to Canada must not impede employer efforts to fill labor market gaps when Canadian residents are not available. Ministers recognized that certain PTs are experiencing pressures driven by growth in permanent and non-permanent immigration and reiterated the importance of Provincial Nominee Program (PNPs) in spreading the economic benefits of immigration across the country. PT ministers called for additional PNP allocations to address PT priorities, such as supporting the permanent residency of Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel visa-holders and noted the importance of extending federal settlement supports to temporary residents who are on a pathway to permanent residency.”

– The Honourable Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Immigration and Career Training

Quick Facts

• Note: At the request of the Government of Quebec, the Quebec minister responsible for immigration holds observer status at the federal-provincial-territorial ministers’ table. For this meeting, the Quebec minister participated fully in discussions on asylum seekers. Under the Canada–Québec Accord, Quebec assumes sole responsibility for establishing immigration levels, selection, francization, and integration of immigrants.
• About the FMRI: The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration is a decision-making body focused on supporting a flexible, timely, and effective immigration system for Canada. Its mission is to advance joint immigration priorities and enhance Canada’s immigration policies and programs.

Contact Information

Contacts for media only:

Bahoz Dara Aziz
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Bahoz.DaraAziz@cic.gc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Sector
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
media@cic.gc.ca

Jamie Richards
Government of Saskatchewan
Executive Director
Communications, Ministry of Immigration and Career Training
Cell: 306-510-4016
Jamie.Richards2@gov.sk.ca

FAQ

What is the role of the FMRI in Canada’s immigration system?

The FMRI is a decision-making body that aims to support a flexible and effective immigration system in Canada by advancing joint priorities and enhancing immigration policies.

How does the FMRI address temporary and permanent resident balances?

The FMRI discusses strategies to balance temporary and permanent residents, incorporating temporary residents into annual immigration plans while addressing labor market needs.

What challenges do asylum seekers pose to Canada’s immigration system?

Increased asylum claim volumes challenge the system, requiring fair processing and integration efforts, with specific pressures noted in Ontario and Quebec.

How can provincial nominee programs aid in transitioning to permanent residency?

PNPs help transition individuals from temporary to permanent residency, aligning with regional economic and labor market priorities.

What is Quebec’s stance in the FMRI discussions?

Quebec participates as an observer, assuming responsibility for its immigration policies under the Canada–Québec Accord, and does not consider itself bound by FMRI discussions.