OTTAWA, November 4, 2005 — Federal, provincial and
territorial ministers responsible for immigration have adopted a strategic
direction on immigration that will build on the success of Canada’s current
immigration program and prepare us to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
The strategic direction builds on Canada’s celebration of diversity
and the principles of inclusion and equal opportunity. Together, ministers
are fulfilling a November 2004 commitment to work to chart the future course
of Canada’s immigration program. (A copy of the Federal,
Provincial and Territorial Strategic Direction on Immigration is attached.)
“Immigration has always been, and will continue to be a vital tool for
nation building in Canada, and a successful immigration program is essential
to our continuing economic and social prosperity,” said the Honourable
Joe Volpe, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “Today, we have strengthened
Canada by building the foundation on which we will develop and deliver programs
to enable refugees and immigrants to maximize their opportunities and contributions
in every region of the country.”
Canada faces many sectoral and regional labour shortages. Within the next
decade newcomers are expected to account for all net labour force growth. As
population growth declines in Canada and in most of the developed world, global
competition for the skills and talents of immigrants will intensify. While
Canada has been successful in attracting and retaining immigrants, federal,
provincial and territorial governments will have to collaborate further to
promote Canada as a destination, recruit immigrants and ensure their integration
into Canadian society.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a flexible immigration program
that will continue to meet the unique needs of each province and territory,
and that respects existing bilateral agreements and each government’s
area of jurisdiction.
“Our economies depend on immigration,” said the Honourable Mike
Colle, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration on behalf of the provinces
and territories. “That’s why my provincial and territorial colleagues
and I are committed to working with the federal government to make sure our
newcomers have every opportunity to succeed. We will continue to share our
unique perspectives to help build stronger, diverse communities in all regions
of Canada.”
The ministers also identified five key priorities for the coming year. Jurisdictions
may pursue them by working collaboratively on joint projects, or by working
independently. The priorities are:
Improved selection, including multi-year levels planning and better promotion
to recruit immigrants;
The development of an in-Canada economic class, to better retain those
who have Canadian experience or training;
Improved outcomes to ensure immigrants’ skills are used to full potential;
Increased regionalization, to share the benefits of immigration with local
economies; and
Improved client service, including shorter waiting times, reduced inventories
and streamlining the in-Canada refugee determination system.
Ministers agreed to consult collaboratively with partners and stakeholders
on immigration matters as appropriate.
The Government of Quebec recognizes the initiative of the federal government
and of the governments of the other provinces and territories to develop strategic
directions in the area of immigration. Quebec has already established its own
directions in compliance with its jurisdiction under the Canada Québec
Accord. While it will pursue its work with the federal government on a bilateral
basis, Quebec will continue to share its best practices with other provinces
and territories.
Quebec has a wealth of experience in consultation on immigration and on multi
year planning according to which it consults with its citizens on all aspects
of immigration, based on the objectives it has set. It will therefore continue
to use that approach, which has yielded excellent results so far.
“My counterparts and I are pleased with the progress made during our
meeting. Now, more than ever, collaborative work with provincial and territorial
ministers is crucial for the success of the immigration program,” said
Minister Volpe.
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For more information (media only):
Stephen Heckbert
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
(613) 954-1064
FPT STRATEGIC DIRECTION
ON IMMIGRATION
Preamble
Canada’s success in the eyes of the world owes much to the skill, hard
work and dedication of immigrants and refugees. Immigration has provided Canada
with new ideas and skills that have strengthened our communities and our abilities
to innovate both locally and in the global marketplace. Immigration has also
increased our respect for cultural diversity and contributed to understanding
between peoples.
Increasingly, countries and communities are competing globally to attract
investments, skills and talents. Looking to the future, Canada must better
connect with the energy and contribution of immigrants to help meet the challenges
of tomorrow including our ageing population and the country’s local,
regional and sectoral labour market needs.
Vision Statement
Guided by a tradition of welcoming immigrants and refugees, Canada’s
federal, provincial and territorial governments will work collaboratively to
promote Canada as an attractive destination for immigrants. In addition, they
will develop and deliver programs that enable refugees and immigrants to maximise
their opportunities and contributions, in every region of the country, while
ensuring Canada’s national security and economic vitality in a global
economy.
Principles
In working to achieve this Vision, Canada’s federal, provincial and
territorial governments agree to*:
work collaboratively in areas of common interest and shared jurisdiction,
including reaching out to interested stakeholders through joint consultation
where appropriate;
respect each jurisdiction’s roles and responsibilities, including
the responsibilities of Quebec identified under the Canada-Quebec Accord
and other existing agreements; and
work collaboratively to preserve Canada’s national security.
*Although it is not participating in the initiative being
proposed, Quebec recognizes the federal, provincial and territorial governments’ effort.
Their initiative quite closely resembles Quebec’s positions on those
matters, as expressed in its 2004–07 Action Plan, Shared Values,
Common Interests (This document is available on the website of the Ministère
de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles). That plan complies
with Quebec’s powers and responsibilities under the Canada Quebec Accord
relating to immigration and the admission of temporary residents. Quebec will
continue to share its best practices with other provinces and territories.
Goals/Objectives
In order to achieve this vision Ministers agree upon the following goals and
objectives:
Economic Growth and Prosperity: contributing to Canada’s
economic prosperity by ensuring that the immigration program is responsive
to national and local labour market needs, and by more effectively attracting
skilled and successful immigrants in a dynamic and competitive international
environment.
Strengthening the Social Fabric: promoting the reunification
of families which strengthens immigrants’ contribution to economic,
social and cultural life in Canada and its regions.
Supporting Canada’s international humanitarian traditions: focusing
Canada’s refugee protection efforts where the need is greatest, including
affirming Canada’s commitment to international efforts to provide assistance
to those in need of resettlement.
Improved Outcomes for Immigrants: strengthening the partnerships
and programs needed to ensure the successful social and economic integration
of immigrants, while helping to maximize their skills and contribution.
Prompt and Efficient Service to Clients: moving to a client-centred
model that adequately and appropriately responds to the interests of all
concerned (immigrants, communities, employers). Enhancing the delivery and
development of programs so that they are responsive and adaptable to the
changing global environment (including changes in technology) and contribute
to Canada’s economic and social development and to our cultural vitality.
Retention and Regionalization: supporting the efforts
of all interested jurisdictions in attracting and retaining immigrants to
help meet their communities’ particular needs.
Strengthening Canada’s defining linguistic characteristics: responding
to the needs identified by minority official languages communities in Canada,
as appropriate in each jurisdiction.
Priorities
In working to achieve these objectives, while respecting the underlying principles,
the following priorities exist that can be pursued jointly, or led individually.
Improved Selection
Multi-year levels planning
Development of an in-Canada economic class
Issues of mix
Addressing the particular needs of local labour markets.
Targeting highly qualified persons, graduate students, skilled trades
and temporary workers
Promotion and recruitment
A more aggressive and effective international promotion of Canada,
and all its regions, as a destination of choice
Improved Outcomes for Immigrants
Maximizing the utilization of immigrant skills
Revitalizing the funding model for settlement allocations
Improving pre and post-arrival information on Canada and its regions to
enhance attraction, integration and retention strategies
Increased Regionalization:
Developing initiatives and regional strategies so that local economies
are better able to tap the benefits of immigration
Improved Client Service
Timely and responsive processing
Improved inventory management
Shorter waiting times
Streamlining the in-Canada refugee determination system
