Canada’s Economic Recovery Plan Through Immigration
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Immigration News Release
On October 30, 2020, Minister Marco Mendicino unveiled the 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan, aiming to boost immigration targets to aid Canada’s economic recovery post-COVID-19. The strategy seeks to foster growth and generate employment for the middle class.
The pandemic has underscored the essential role immigrants play in sectors like healthcare and agriculture. Immigrants are crucial to maintaining supply chains and expanding businesses, which in turn creates more jobs for Canadians.
Despite continuous application processing by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), global travel restrictions have led to fewer admissions. To address this, the new plan targets welcoming 401,000 permanent residents in 2021, 411,000 in 2022, and 421,000 in 2023. This is a significant increase from the previous targets of 351,000 for 2021 and 361,000 for 2022.
Canada prioritizes health and safety at its borders, taking advice from public health officials as immigrants are welcomed into the country.
Core Aspects of the Immigration Plan
The multi-year plan supports family reunification and Canada’s international commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals through refugee resettlement. Key highlights include:
- Boosting admissions over three years to make up for the 2020 shortfall.
- Focusing on economic growth, with 60% of admissions from the Economic Class.
- Pursuing innovative, community-driven solutions to meet nationwide labor and demographic needs.
- Enhancing capacity and digital transformation to support immigration operations.
- Offering additional points for French-speaking applicants under Express Entry to bolster Francophone communities outside Quebec.
- Admitting up to 500 refugees over two years through the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot.
- Providing a pathway to permanent residency for asylum claimants who worked on the pandemic front lines between March 13 and August 14, 2020.
This plan aims to solidify Canada’s status as a top destination for talent, fostering economic growth while reuniting families and fulfilling humanitarian commitments.
Ministerial Insights
“Immigration is essential to overcoming the pandemic, and it is crucial for economic recovery and long-term growth. Newcomers are vital in our healthcare and food supply sectors and create jobs by filling skill gaps and starting new businesses. Our plan addresses labor shortages and ensures Canada remains competitive globally.”
– The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Key Facts About Canadian Immigration
- Immigrants make up 33% of business owners with employees and 25% of healthcare workers.
- The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act mandates an annual levels plan presentation to Parliament.
- The plan projects the number of permanent residents to be admitted, setting targets for each category.
- Development of the plan involves input from provincial and territorial representatives, public opinion research, and stakeholder consultations.
- IRCC’s Immigration Matters campaign highlights how newcomers benefit local communities.
- Quebec sets its own immigration levels under the Canada-Quebec Accord.
Related Immigration Resources
- 2021‒2023 Immigration Levels Plan and Supplementary Information
- 2020 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration
- Infographic: Immigration to Canada in 2019
- 2020 Stakeholder Consultations
Contact Information
For media inquiries:
Alex Cohen
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
alexander.cohen@cic.gc.ca
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 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan?
The plan aims to support Canada’s economic recovery by increasing immigration targets to fill labor gaps and drive growth.
How will this plan impact the Canadian economy?
By welcoming more immigrants, the plan seeks to address labor shortages, boost economic growth, and create new jobs.
What measures are in place to ensure public health and safety?
Canada continues to strengthen health screenings at borders and follows health officials’ advice to protect Canadians.
How does the plan support Francophone communities?
It provides additional points for French-speaking candidates under Express Entry to encourage Francophone community growth outside Quebec.
Read our immigration guide to learn more about Canada’s immigration processes.
