May 22, 2015 — Toronto — Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governments reiterated their shared commitment to maximizing the economic benefits of immigration at today’s meeting of FPT Ministers responsible for immigration. The selection of economic immigrants and the improvement of settlement and labour market outcomes for newcomers were a key focus of the meeting, which was co-chaired by Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander and Ontario’s Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade Minister Michael Chan.
Economic immigration and ensuring Canada remains a destination of choice continue to be top priorities for all participants around the table. Ministers present at the meeting discussed the launch of the new Express Entry immigration system and the ongoing importance of the Provincial Nominee Programs that allow provinces and territories to find prospective immigrants to meet their labour market needs.
Immigration levels planning was discussed by the ministers. Provincial and territorial representatives will continue to provide advice based on labour-market data. This advice will inform the decisions of the federal government, along with input from third parties including private-sector employers in a series of cross-Canada consultations in the coming months.
Ministers also reviewed the ongoing work on Helping Immigrants Succeed: An FPT Action Plan that aims to improve Employment Fit/Foreign Qualification Recognition, Social Connections, and Language for those outside of the labour market.
Ministers discussed progress on the three-year action plan FPT Vision for Immigration to Canada (2012-2015), that is intended to adapt to immigration changes and to build a fast, fair and flexible economic immigration system. Efforts remain focused on meeting labour market needs, increasing Francophone immigration and improving settlement outcomes for all newcomers.
Under the Canada-Québec Accord relating to immigration and temporary admission of aliens, Québec fully assumes sole responsibility for establishing immigration levels, and for the selection, francization and integration of immigrants. In areas under its responsibility, Québec develops its policies and programs, legislates, regulates and sets its own standards.
Kevin Menard
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Bryan Leblanc
Minister’s Office
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade
416-325-0208
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade
416-314-7010
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
