Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement – General Provisions 2025

Preamble

This Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) is between His Majesty The King in right of Canada (hereinafter referred to as “Canada”), as represented by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and His Majesty The King in right of the Province of Ontario (hereinafter referred to as “Ontario”), as represented by the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

Whereas section 95 of the Constitution Act, 1867 (30 & 31 Victoria, c. 3 (U.K.)) recognizes the concurrent powers of legislation of the federal and provincial governments in immigration matters.

And whereas the Parliament of Canada has enacted the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, S.C. 2001, c. 27 (hereinafter referred to as the “IRPA”).

And whereas the Parliament of Canada has enacted the Citizenship Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. C.-29.

And whereas the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, enacted as Schedule B to the Canada Act 1982, (U.K.) 1982, c.11, establishes:

1. certain mobility rights to citizens and every person who has the status of a permanent resident of Canada and guarantees equal protection and equal benefit of the law to everyone without discrimination; and
2. the equality of status of English and French as the official languages of Canada, and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada.

And whereas the Parliament of Canada has enacted the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. 24 (4th Supp.).

And whereas subsection 8(1) of the IRPA and subsection 5(1) of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Act, S.C. 1994, c. 31, (hereinafter referred to as the “DCIA”) authorize the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (also referred to as the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship), with the approval of the Governor in Council, to enter into agreements with provinces for the purposes of the IRPA, and for the purposes of facilitating the formulation, coordination and implementation - including the collection, use and disclosure of information - of policies and programs for which the Minister is responsible.

And whereas the Parliament of Ontario has enacted the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015, S.O. 2015, c. 8 (hereinafter referred to as the “OIA”).

And whereas Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has the authority to enter into an agreement with the Government of Canada relating to immigration matters pursuant to section 2(d) of the OIA.

And whereas, pursuant to subsection 11(1) of the OIA, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development may, by regulation, establish one or more selection programs if the Government of Ontario has entered into an agreement with the Government of Canada under subsection 8(1) of the IRPA that authorizes the Government of Ontario to establish or continue the program, as the case may be.

And whereas the OIA recognizes the long history of immigration to Ontario and the important nation-building role it has played, and continues to play, in forming Ontario’s economic, social, and cultural values.

And whereas section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 protects the existing Aboriginal and treaty rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada.

And whereas Canada and Ontario recognize that the rights of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit are protected under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The terms of this Agreement shall not be construed so as to abrogate or derogate from any aboriginal, treaty or other rights or freedoms that pertain to the aboriginal peoples of Canada under section 25 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

And whereas Ontario’s Anti-Racism Act, 2017 recognizes that eliminating systemic racism and advancing racial equity supports the economic, social, and cultural development of society as a whole, and everyone benefits when individuals and communities are no longer marginalized.

And whereas Ontario recognizes the objectives of the IRPA to, among other things:

1. support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy in which the benefits of immigration are shared across all regions of Canada;
2. promote the successful integration of permanent residents into Canada, while recognizing that integration involves mutual obligations for new Immigrants and Canadian society;
3. enrich and strengthen the cultural and social fabric of Canadian society, while respecting the federal, bilingual and multicultural character of Canada;
4. support and assist the development of Minority Official Languages Communities in Canada;
5. facilitate the entry of visitors, students and temporary workers for purposes such as trade, commerce, tourism, international understanding and cultural, educational and scientific activities;
6. recognize that the refugee program is in the first instance about saving lives and offering protection to the displaced and persecuted;
7. fulfil Canada’s international legal obligations with respect to refugees and affirm Canada’s commitment to international efforts to provide assistance to those in need of resettlement; and
8. grant, as a fundamental expression of Canada’s humanitarian ideals, fair consideration to those who come to Canada claiming persecution.

And whereas Ontario recognizes the policy of the Government of Canada reflected in part VII the Official Languages Act including, among other things:

1. the reinforced language on the promotion of the use of English and French in Canadian society by enhancing the vitality and supporting the development of official-language minority communities; and
2. the obligation to implement a federal Policy on Francophone Immigration to enhance the vitality of French linguistic minority communities in Canada, including by restoring and increasing their demographic weight.

And whereas Ontario receives a proportionally significant share of Immigrants and Temporary Residents granted entry to Canada.

And whereas Canada recognizes the role of Ontario in administering the Provincial Nominee Program in the province, including the authority to nominate foreign nationals for their application for permanent residence in the provincial nominee class and carry out inspections, investigations, and other program integrity activities in accordance with the OIA.

And whereas Canada and Ontario welcome Immigrants, recognize their contribution to the economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian objectives of the country and the province, and recognize the importance of an inclusive, diverse and cohesive society which may be advanced through multiculturalism.

And whereas Canada and Ontario recognize that the Federal-Provincial/Territorial Strategic Plan for Immigration sets the strategic direction for what Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments seek to collectively achieve through immigration.

And whereas Canada and Ontario share a mutual interest in:

1. maximizing the contribution of immigration to the achievement of the economic, social, demographic, linguistic and cultural goals of both Canada and Ontario;
2. minimizing costs, increasing program effectiveness and reducing unnecessary overlap and duplication;
3. ensuring residents of Ontario are aware of the benefits of immigration;
4. working together to build a culturally diverse, integrated, inclusive, socially cohesive society and to encourage immigration throughout Ontario, including small, rural and northern communities;
5. planning and coordinating their immigration activities, based on cooperation, consultation and information sharing;
6. immigrants having the earliest opportunity to fully utilize their skills within the labour market;
7. exploring policies and programs, and working with all partners, to address the settlement and integration needs of Immigrants;
8. attracting international students to Canada and Ontario, better protecting students from fraud, and recognizing them as prospective Immigrants who can meet labour needs in Canada and Ontario;
9. supporting the development of Francophone Minority Communities by attracting French-Speaking Immigrants to Canada and Ontario and recognizing their contribution to economic and linguistic goals of the province;
10. aligning programs and policies whereby Immigrants, temporary foreign workers, and international students contribute to the development of the provincial labour force, recognizing that Ontario is best positioned to determine the economic and labour market needs of the province; and
11. recognizing the potential economic contributions of refugees to address labour market needs in Canada and Ontario.

Therefore, Canada and Ontario agree to the following:

1.0 Definitions

1.1 Definitions from the IRPA and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

For the purposes of this Agreement:

1. except where otherwise provided, words used in this Agreement which are defined in the IRPA or in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (hereinafter referred to as the “IRPR”), have the same meaning as in the IRPA or the IRPR;
2. a reference to the IRPA or the IRPR is a reference to that Act or those Regulations, as amended from time to time; and
3. where a definition given in this Agreement is inconsistent with a definition given in the IRPA or the IRPR, the definition in the IRPA or the IRPR shall prevail.

1.2 Definitions in this Agreement

For the purposes of this Agreement:

1. “Agreement” means these General Provisions and all Annexes attached hereto as may be amended from time to time;
2. “Agreement Management Committee” (AMC) means the forum to oversee the implementation of this Agreement, including discussion and exchange of information, managing collaborative programs, and making decisions or recommendations, as appropriate on matters pertaining to this Agreement. The AMC is the forum for raising new immigration issues not addressed in the Agreement;
3. “Asylum Claimant” is a person who has made a claim for refugee protection in Canada in accordance with the IRPA, and whose claim has not yet been determined;
4. “Convention Refugee” is a person defined under section 96 of the IRPA;
5. “Designated Representatives” are the primary contacts for both Canada and Ontario who are responsible for the interpretation, inquiries, dispute management and resolution and requests for amendments to this Agreement;
6. “Dispute” means a conflict or disagreement between the Parties respecting:
   1. the interpretation, application, or implementation of this Agreement, or the IRPA or IRPR as they relate to this Agreement; or
   2. a breach or suspected breach of this Agreement;
7. “Focal Points” mean the primary contacts for the Parties responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Annexes under this Agreement; this includes the interpretation, inquiries, and requests for amendments of the Annexes, addressing any issues that arise, and compliance with the provisions of the Annexes;
8. “Francophone Minority Communities” means French-speaking communities in Ontario;
9. “French-Speaking Immigrant” means an immigrant who declares:
   1. knowledge of “French only” as their official language; or
   2. knowledge of “French and English” as their official languages, as well as French as the official language in which they are most at ease.
10. "Government-Assisted Refugee" means a person who is outside Canada and has been determined to be a Convention refugee and who receives financial and other support from the Government of Canada or Province of Quebec for up to one year after their arrival in Canada. GARs are selected from applicants referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other referral organizations;
11. “Immigrant” means Permanent Residents, including Convention Refugees abroad and humanitarian-protected persons abroad resettled to Canada, and protected persons in Canada;
12. “In-Canada Asylum System” means the program responsible for receiving and registering claims made within Canada, conducting security screenings, assessing their eligibility, and providing protection—to persons deemed in need of protection—at or inside Canada’s borders;
13. “Local Government” means the council of a municipality or the board of a regional district;
14. “Party” means Canada or Ontario and “Parties” means Canada and Ontario;
15. “Processing Pause” means that Provincial Nominee certificates and/or applications related to those certificates under Dispute shall no longer be accepted by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration and returned; and that processing shall cease on those Provincial Nominee applications under Dispute until the Dispute is resolved;
16. “Provincial Nominee” means a person who is a member of the Provincial Nominee class pursuant to subsection 87(2) of the IRPR;
17. “Provincial Nominee Program” means a program for provincial nominations as per agreements entered into pursuant to subsection 8(1) of the IRPA and subsection 5(1) of the DCIA;
18. “Refugee” means a protected person under the IRPA; and
19. “Temporary Resident” means a temporary foreign worker, an international student, or a visitor.

2.0 Purpose and Objectives

2.1 Purpose

2.1.1 The purpose of this Agreement is to further strengthen the long-term partnership between the Parties with respect to immigration. It defines the respective roles and responsibilities of the Parties relating to Immigrants and Temporary Residents under the IRPA.

2.2 Objectives

2.2.1 The objectives of this Agreement are, while respecting the jurisdiction of each Party, to:

1. foster collaboration between the Parties with respect to policy, including selection policy, planning, and program development related to attracting and welcoming Immigrants and Temporary residents to Ontario;
2. maintain a positive relationship between Canada and Ontario related to the appropriate level and composition of Immigrants to the Province, including collaborating on increasing economic immigration through the promotion, recruitment, selection and admission of Immigrants and Temporary Residents;
3. respond to Ontario’s current and emerging economic development, social, and labour market priorities through bilateral discussions on immigration policies and programs;
4. recognizing the role of immigration in supporting the economic development of communities in Ontario, including supporting the vitality of Francophone Minority Communities, and encouraging immigration throughout Ontario, including small, rural and northern communities;
5. support the successful economic and social integration and settlement of Immigrants and Refugees in Ontario through programs supported by appropriate, fair, equitable, predictable and ongoing provincial and federal funding, recognizing that Ontario receives a significant proportional share of immigrants to Canada;
6. support Canada’s humanitarian objectives through collaboration on issues impacting Refugees;
7. facilitate collaboration in the development and implementation of strategies to address barriers to foreign qualification recognition and integration of Immigrants into the labour market;
8. ensure the effectiveness and integrity of the Immigration and Temporary Resident programs of Canada and Ontario through enhanced cooperation in information sharing and through the respective monitoring and reporting processes of the Parties;
9. develop common outcome measurement frameworks and, where possible, undertake joint research projects;
10. foster effective cooperation in the promotion, attraction, and retention of French-Speaking Immigrants to continue to encourage the growth of Francophone Minority Communities in Ontario in order to achieve the Parties’ respective targets; and
11. facilitate good governance in relation to this Agreement through the establishment of effective mechanisms for bilateral collaboration as outlined in section 9.1.

2.3 Annexes

2.3.1 Together with the General Provisions, the following Annexes form part of this Agreement:

1. Annex A: Provincial Nominees (hereafter referred to as “Annex A”);
2. Annex B: Foreign Workers (hereafter referred to as “Annex B”);
3. Annex C: French-Speaking Immigrants (hereafter referred to as “Annex C”);
4. Annex D: Partnership with Municipalities (hereafter referred to as “Annex D”);
5. Annex E: International Students (hereafter referred to as “Annex E”); and
6. Annex F: Asylum Claimants (hereafter referred to as “Annex F”).

2.3.2 Unless otherwise specified, it is understood that Annexes are subject to the same terms and conditions of this Agreement.

2.3.3 The Parties agree to explore whether any additional Annexes that reflect the broad objectives of this Agreement should be made.

3.0 Immigration Planning and Programs

3.1 Canada shall establish national immigration policies and develop an annual immigration levels plan in consultation with Ontario and other provinces and territories, taking into consideration any Federal, Provincial and Territorial approaches to immigration levels planning, and Ontario’s immigration planning, including its economic, social, cultural, and demographic objectives, including improving economic immigration.

3.2 Pursuant to subsection 10(2) of IRPA, Canada shall consult Ontario respecting the number of foreign nationals in each class who will become permanent residents each year, their distribution in Canada taking into account regional economic and demographic requirements, and the measures to be undertaken to facilitate their integration into Canadian society.

3.3 To support federal planning, Ontario will provide its annual provincial nominee allocation requests to Canada in a timely manner, and, in turn, recognizing that Ontario requires its annual provincial nominee allocation to support operational planning and delivery of Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program, Canada shall confirm Ontario’s annual nomination allocation in a timely fashion, and will endeavour to do so no later than 90 days following the tabling of the Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration.

3.4 Canada recognizes the importance of the Provincial Nominee Program in addressing Ontario’s labour market needs. In projecting estimated allocations for future years, Canada shall take into consideration Ontario’s annual provincial nominee allocation requests, while also considering allocation requests from other jurisdictions, as well as the overall size of the Provincial Nominee Program as set out in Canada’s immigration levels plan.

3.5 Canada may cooperate with Ontario to provide opportunities to provincial staff for training, taking into account cost and resource constraints of either Party and, if required, negotiating cost-sharing approaches.

3.6 Ontario shall plan to receive a share of Refugees to be resettled in the province through collaboration and consultation with Canada, particularly for Government-Assisted Refugees, recognizing the need for flexibility in responding to emerging humanitarian needs, and the settlement needs of resettled refugees.

3.7 In assigning a share of Refugees to be resettled in Ontario, Canada agrees to consult with Ontario and:

1. take into account the potential financial and program impacts on Ontario, taking into account the large proportion of Refugees resettled in Ontario and their longer-term settlement needs;
2. provide notice of arrival as early as possible, ensure arrivals are spread throughout the year where practical, and work with Ontario to coordinate communications with the community and stakeholders; and
3. consider additional supports that may be needed, subject to federal Cabinet approval if required.

4.0 French-Speaking Immigration

4.1 The Parties shall continue to support the increase of the number of French-Speaking Immigrants settling to Ontario.

4.2 The Parties shall take into account the settlement and integration needs of French-Speaking Immigrants in establishing priorities and developing services relevant to this Agreement. More specifically, the Parties shall collaborate to enhance the vitality of Francophone Minority Communities through:

1. promotion, attraction and retention strategies that are intended to increase the number of French-Speaking Immigrants; and
2. strengthening settlement and integration supports for French-Speaking Immigrants, thereby improving the capacity of Francophone Minority Communities to receive French-Speaking Immigrants and facilitating the economic, social and cultural integration of French-Speaking Immigrants into Canadian society.

4.3 The Parties agree, where possible, to consult with Francophone Minority Communities in Ontario with respect to immigration matters in areas that include, but are not limited to, recruitment activities and the planning and delivery of settlement and integration services.

5.0 Consultations and Local Government

5.1 Consultations

5.1.1 The Parties agree that consultation is necessary to help both Parties address their needs and objectives related to immigration.

5.1.2. Both parties shall consult in a timely manner on proposed changes to immigration policies, legislation, regulations and programs related to Immigrant and Temporary Resident programs and make best efforts to provide advance notice of upcoming public communications of such changes. This includes, but is not limited to: Canada’s immigration policy and projections, Ontario’s immigration policies, and identified issues in shared immigration planning, information sharing and bilateral international arrangements.

5.1.3 Ontario shall participate in multilateral consultation processes associated with developing or promoting national immigration initiatives.

5.1.4 The Parties shall consult on the development and implementation of national measures to regulate immigration and citizenship representatives. Canada recognizes Ontario’s right to develop and implement its own measures consistent with provincial jurisdiction and federal legislation.

5.1.5 Recognizing the critical role provinces and territories play in informing immigration priorities, upon signing of this Agreement, the Parties agree to develop a process whereby Ontario provides evidence-based provincial labour market information to inform federal economic immigration priorities, and by which Canada shall provide feedback on how provincial and territorial input, including from Ontario, informed these priorities.

5.2 Local Government

5.2.1 The Parties agree that Local Governments play an important role in attracting and retaining Immigrants, in supporting the successful settlement and integration of Immigrants in Ontario and in ensuring that communities are welcoming and inclusive.

5.2.2 The Parties agree to cooperate to work with Local Governments in Ontario to explore issues related to their respective interests in immigration and to pursue opportunities related to communities’ interests in immigration, and encourage immigration throughout the province of Ontario, including small, rural and northern communities.

6.0 Promotion and Recruitment

6.1 The Parties shall share roles and responsibilities in the planning and implementation of immigration promotion and Immigrant recruitment activities abroad, recognizing Canada’s responsibility for coordinating such activities on a national level and Ontario’s interest in immigration to meet its economic, social, cultural, and demographic objectives.

6.2 The Parties agree, subject to resource constraints, to cooperate in promotion and recruitment initiatives to attract and recruit Immigrants and Temporary Residents, including Provincial Nominees and temporary foreign workers, by working together in the following areas:

1. Ontario shall provide Canada with Ontario’s plans and objectives related to promotion and recruitment, as applicable;
2. Canada shall ensure that Department of Citizenship and Immigration offices abroad are informed about Ontario’s plan and objectives;
3. Ontario shall also endeavour to provide Canada with information regarding the province’s needs, including economic, demographic, educational, and labour market needs; and
4. Canada shall endeavour to provide information to Ontario about optimal recruitment opportunities through Department of Citizenship and Immigration offices abroad in order to meet Ontario’s immigration needs.

6.3 In furtherance of the objectives of this Agreement, Ontario may undertake recruitment initiatives including:

1. development of promotional materials describing the nature and quality of life in Ontario;
2. provision of information on an Ontario-maintained website to prospective immigrants who intend to reside and work in Ontario;
3. preparation of information for staff working in Department of Citizenship and Immigration offices abroad to assist in identifying promotion and recruitment opportunities;
4. consultation with representatives of Francophone Minority Communities in Ontario;
5. consultation with regional and community representatives; and
6. targeted promotion to Temporary Residents present in Ontario.

6.4 Subject to operational and resource constraints, Canada agrees to make efforts to assist with improving economic immigration to Ontario. This may include, but is not limited to:

1. providing information to potential applicants in permanent and temporary streams through Canada’s immigration-related websites, in order to direct them to visit the Ontario-maintained website;
2. sharing Government of Ontario promotional materials provided by Ontario, where practical, at selected Department of Citizenship and Immigration offices abroad;
3. supporting provincially-initiated missions to attract Immigrants within the limits of mission resources;
4. inviting Ontario to participate in promotional activities with Department of Citizenship and Immigration staff abroad to communicate the province’s specific needs and opportunities; and
5. assisting Ontario in identifying overseas labour market and demographic information, as available, to assist in niche market recruitment and in diversifying source countries of economic immigrants.

6.5 Canada agrees to make efforts, where possible, to assist Ontario in achieving its objectives in its labour market strategy and plans, as agreed upon by both Parties, subject to operational and resource constraints.

6.6 Ontario may enter into agreements with third parties for the purposes of promotion and recruitment and in so doing shall:

1. require other parties to respect the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and
2. advise Canada of such agreements.

6.7 Subject to section 6.6, this Agreement does not preclude either Party from undertaking promotion and recruitment activities independently.

6.8 Any agreements pursued by Ontario with other parties, and that result in proposed policy changes that would have a material effect on this Agreement, shall require further consultations with the Department of Citizenship and Immigration before implementation.

7.0 Selection and Inadmissibility

7.1 Ontario recognizes that, in accordance with the IRPA and the IRPR, Canada has responsibility for:

1. determining federal objectives relating to immigration;
2. establishing selection criteria and selecting foreign nationals, taking into account the role of Ontario in nominating Provincial Nominees;
3. determining Refugee status;
4. prescribing classes of permanent residents and Temporary Residents;
5. defining and determining which persons are inadmissible to Canada; and
6. imposing conditions with respect to requiring individuals to report for a medical examination, surveillance or treatment.

7.2 Ontario shall be responsible for providing evidence of compliance with the conditions imposed by Canada in section 7.1(f), as set out in the separate Memorandum of Understanding between Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

7.3 Ontario’s authority to nominate Provincial Nominees is established under Annex A of this Agreement.

7.4 Ontario shall be consulted and have the opportunity to provide input on selection policies, taking into account the specific goals of and unique conditions in the province, including improving economic immigration, as well as taking into account the need to maintain national standards, and the resource constraints of Canada.

7.5 Ontario shall be responsible for the assessment of provincial eligibility criteria, in a manner consistent with the OIA, for the purpose of nominating candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program. Canada shall respect the nomination decision of Ontario insofar as nominations are consistent with the IRPA, the IRPR or any successor legislation and regulations, national immigration policy, and the terms of this Agreement.

7.6 Canada has the sole authority to decide whether persons who are determined to be medically inadmissible should be permitted to come into Canada and may facilitate entry to Canada where an officer determines it is justified.

8.0 Settlement, Integration and Refugee Resettlement

8.1 The Parties are committed to facilitating the full participation of Immigrants and Refugees in the social, cultural, economic, and civic spheres of Canadian society.

8.2 The Parties recognize the essential role of settlement and integration services and predictable funding in supporting strong outcomes for Immigrants. Canada and Ontario agree to consult one another on investment planning for the successful settlement and economic integration of immigrants in Ontario. Canada and Ontario agree to share information and consult on pressures and work together to better coordinate our services.

8.3 Canada and Ontario are committed to renewing the current Canada-Ontario Settlement Partnership Memorandum of Understanding. The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding or any successor memorandum of understanding is to further strengthen the established partnership between Canada and Ontario and to establish a framework for working collaboratively on the planning, design and delivery of settlement and integration services for Immigrants.

8.4 The Parties shall work together, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, to facilitate, encourage and improve the recognition of foreign qualifications, skills and work experience of Immigrants and facilitate better understanding of the regulatory process to help ease their integration into the labour market.

8.5 The Parties shall coordinate their efforts to support the successful settlement and integration of Refugees, particularly with regard to reception, health, education and social services.

9.0 Implementation

9.1 Governance

9.1.1 The AMC, with two co-Chairs, the Assistant Deputy Minister, Global Talent and Settlement Services Division, Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, and the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy, Department of Citizenship and Immigration, or their designates where mutually agreed upon, shall be established to oversee implementation of this Agreement. Other members of the AMC may include, upon agreement of the Parties, Local, Regional and National Headquarters Department of Citizenship and Immigration officials; and, as appropriate, representatives of other federal departments and provincial ministries responsible for programs and services related to immigration.

9.1.2 The AMC shall convene, at the mutual consent of its co-chairs, either in person or through technological means. The purpose of these meetings shall be to have meaningful discussions related to the overall management of this Agreement and on innovative approaches to addressing immigration matters.

9.1.3 The AMC may establish bilateral ad hoc groups or sub-committees, with third party participation if appropriate, for the purpose of implementing this Agreement.

9.1.4 The AMC shall establish an annual action plan to jointly identify emerging and enduring immigration priorities and propose strategies to tackle these items. While the annual action plan will not bind Canada or Ontario to a particular course of action, it is intended to drive dialogue and negotiation on specific issues which then may lead to further agreements between the Parties.

1. As part of the 2026 Action Plan, the Parties agree to discuss the current process for distribution of Government-Assisted Refugees, work permit eligibility for Provincial Nominee Program candidates, and collaborate on issues related to Asylum Claimants and information sharing, among other agreed upon topics.

9.2 Multilateral Forums

9.2.1 Nothing in this Agreement is intended to preclude the Parties from fully participating in multilateral forums. Decisions made in the multilateral forums shall not supersede the terms agreed upon in this Agreement. Both Parties agree to make best efforts to make them complementary.

9.3 Dispute Management and Resolution

9.3.1 The Parties are committed to working together to implement this Agreement. Under this Agreement, the Parties shall contribute with their respective policies, programs, capacity, and expertise and recognize and respect each other’s different roles and responsibilities as set out under this Agreement.

9.3.2 In the case of a Dispute under this Agreement, the AMC shall attempt to resolve the matter through information sharing, communications and informal discussions.

9.3.3 In the event that the AMC is unable to resolve the Dispute expeditiously, it shall be referred to the Deputy Ministers, serving as the Agreement’s Designated Representatives. The referral of the Dispute shall be accompanied by a written notice with the relevant facts and steps taken to reach resolution. Such procedures shall provide equal opportunities for representation by each Party, establish clear time limits, and ensure clarity for the implementation of final decisions. Both Parties shall exchange relevant information and engage in bilateral discussions in an attempt to clarify and resolve the Dispute.

9.3.6 Should the Dispute be resolved, Designated Representatives shall oversee the drafting of a short report identifying the issues that have been resolved, specific actions and timelines required to implement the resolution.

9.3.7 If Designated Representatives are unable to resolve the Dispute within thirty (30) days from the date of its referral to them, they shall jointly determine next steps and the appropriate course of action for its resolution, including elevating the Dispute to Ministers.

9.3.8 Ministers shall provide advice and direction to their officials on an appropriate course of action to resolve the Dispute.

9.3.9 This Dispute management process shall not in any way limit the final authority of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration respecting decisions to interpret and administer the IRPA or the IRPR.

9.4 Information Sharing

9.4.1 The Parties share a mutual interest in:

1. sharing information in order to meet the needs of Immigrants, including prospective Immigrants and Temporary Residents;
2. research and information sharing;
3. ensuring policies and programs are informed by research, statistical reports and analysis; and
4. supporting policies, strategies and program development through information sharing.

9.4.2 To facilitate the implementation of the activities of this Agreement, the Parties agree to exchange information as permitted by applicable laws, policies, instructions, and agreements governing the collection, retention, protection, use, exchange, disposal, and disclosure of information, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Information Sharing Between Canada and Ontario.

9.4.3 The Parties shall undertake a review of the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Information Sharing Between Canada and Ontario upon signing of this Agreement, in order to ensure it remains accurate and relevant.

9.4.4 Nothing in this Agreement is intended to restrict the ability of the Parties to enter into other agreements or arrangements related to the sharing of information that does not take place pursuant to this Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Information Sharing Between Canada and Ontario.

9.4.5 The Parties agree to inform each other in a timely manner of any immigration-related information sharing and research agreements, formal arrangements or formal negotiations they enter into with government departments or ministries, municipalities and other parties concerned under Ontario’s jurisdiction where such immigration-related information sharing, agreements, arrangements or negotiations may impact the implementation of this Agreement.

9.4.6 The Parties agree to promote immigration research, to consult annually on research priorities and planned research activities, and to cooperate on common research initiatives and share outcomes as appropriate.

9.4.7 Both Parties acknowledge that Canada is transitioning to a modernized digital platform that shall enable enterprise-wide use of certain data supported by enhanced information-sharing authorities, where necessary. Canada, in consultation with Ontario, shall determine how information shall be shared to support the use of digital tools to better deliver immigration programs.

9.5 Program Integrity

9.5.1 The Parties shall ensure the integrity of their respective programs, including but not limited to activities such as:

1. sharing information and intelligence related to program developments overseas and within Canada, including immigration trends and analysis;
2. conducting and disseminating research, and identifying knowledge gaps related to immigration priorities;
3. establishing mutual reporting arrangements;
4. working collaboratively with other agencies, as required, to address issues relating to inadmissibility, including anti-fraud activities;
5. investigating potential program abuse to ensure ongoing rigour and confidence in the immigration program; and
6. conducting program evaluations.

9.5.2 The Parties recognize the importance of evaluating the programs, policies and initiatives that are implemented under this Agreement in order to design, or improve the design, of policies, programs and initiatives, and to assess policy or program relevance and effectiveness, impacts both intended and unintended, and alternative ways of achieving expected results.

9.5.3 Annex A establishes the evaluation and audit requirements specific to the Provincial Nominee Program and the corresponding accountabilities of the Parties.

9.5.4 In addition to the requirements specified in Annex A, the Parties agree to:

1. exchange plans for evaluation and auditing activities as outlined under this Agreement;
2. exchange, when developed or updated, evaluation frameworks/performance measurement strategies for activities under this Agreement;
3. exchange, upon their completion, the reports of all evaluations that pertain to activities under this Agreement; and
4. participate in national evaluations upon the agreement of both Parties.

9.6 Communication

9.6.1 The Parties agree that Canadians have a right to transparency and public accountability, which is facilitated through the provision of full information about the benefits of this Agreement.

9.6.2 Any announcement related to activities jointly undertaken by the Parties shall ensure that communications material reflects the graphic guidelines of both orders of government (including the word mark for the Government of Canada) and be available in both of Canada’s official languages. Canada shall assume responsibility for translation of joint communications products.

9.7 Term and Amendments

9.7.1 This Agreement comes into force on the date on which it is signed by the last of the Parties to do so and shall be valid for five (5) years.

9.7.2 Upon mutual consent of the Parties in writing, the term of this Agreement may be extended:

1. for a period of up to five (5) years; and
2. prior to the expiry of the Agreement for an additional period of two (2) years.

9.7.3 Subject to section 9.7.4, the Parties agree to jointly review this Agreement (including all Annexes) as follows:

1. for the first review, beginning no later than two (2) years before the expiry of this Agreement; and
2. for the second review, beginning no later than two (2) years before the expiry of the Agreement as extended under section 9.7.2(a).

9.7.4 Upon mutual consent of the Parties in writing, the joint reviews set out at section 9.7.3 can be omitted where the Parties agree to extend this Agreement on the same terms and conditions.

9.7.5 No amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless reduced to writing and signed by the Designated Representatives of the Parties subject to any required approval or authorization, including any required approval of the Governor in Council for Canada.

9.7.6 Either Party may terminate this Agreement at any time by providing at least twelve (12) months’ notice in writing to the other Party. Upon notice of termination, the AMC shall negotiate a transition strategy.

9.7.7 The French and English language versions of this Agreement are equally authoritative.

9.7.8 In keeping with the purpose and objectives of this Agreement, Canada shall be open and transparent concerning agreements reached with other provinces and territories respecting immigration. Upon request by Ontario, Canada shall negotiate amendments to this Agreement in order to afford similar treatment to Ontario, taking into consideration the different needs and circumstances of Ontario.

9.7.9 Subject to section 9.7.11, this Agreement does not affect any other agreements, arrangements or instruments entered into by the Parties.

9.7.10 This Agreement may be entered into by each Party signing a separate copy of this Agreement (including a photocopy, facsimile or electronic submission) and delivering it to the other Party, each of which when taken together, shall constitute an original Agreement.

9.7.11 The Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement that came into force on November 24, 2017 is hereby terminated on the coming into force of this Agreement.

10.0 Notices

10.1 Any notice to be delivered under this Agreement should be sent to the Party concerned as follows, as well as to the Parties’ Designated Representatives:

• Address for notice to Canada
  Deputy Minister
  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
  365 Laurier Avenue West
  Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1L1

• Address for notice to Ontario
  Deputy Minister
  Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
  400 University Avenue, 14th Floor
  Toronto, Ontario M7A 1T7

10.2 Either Party may, from time to time, change a Designated Representative by giving notice in accordance with this Agreement.

10.3 Any notice, information or document provided for under this Agreement may be delivered or sent by letter, electronic mail or facsimile, postage or other charges prepaid. Any notice that is delivered shall be deemed to have been received on delivery; any notice sent by electronic mail or facsimile shall be deemed to have been received one working day after having been sent; and any notice mailed shall be deemed to have been received eight (8) calendar days after being mailed.

In witness whereof this Agreement has been signed by the Parties on the dates written below.

For the Government of Canada

For the Government of Ontario