Halifax (NovaScotia)/CMEDIA: Meeting of the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) took place yesterday at the Canadian Museum of Immigration in Halifax, Nova Scotia to continue their discussions on the future of immigration in Canada, a news release has said.
While focusing on advancing joint initiatives to respond to pan-Canadian immigration priorities to meet economic and regional needs. the Ministers were pleased with progress made towards improving the effectiveness of Canada’s immigration system.
Ministers discussed increasing provincial/territorial (PT) involvement in economic immigrant selection, increased allocations in the Provincial/Territorial Nominee Programs (PNPs), finding ways to improve application processing times, reducing duplication and providing greater agency over PNPs.
“Immigration is key to maximizing Canada’s economic potential…we had productive discussions on shared priorities…enhancing the Provincial Nominee Program, reducing barriers to Foreign Credential Recognition…irregular migration…supporting newcomers from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and other vulnerable populations around the world…we can build an immigration system that is client-centred, and responsive to our country’s social and economic needs,” Sean Fraser, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and federal co-chair of the Forum of Ministers responsible for Immigration has said in the news release.
Ministers welcomed IRCC’s first ever Multi-Year Allocation Plan, which includes an unprecedented 44% growth in PNP allocations for 2023. The plan also includes notional allocations for 2024 and 2025. Ministers also had productive conversations about settlement and integration efforts, Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) and Canada’s humanitarian response to the developing situation in Ukraine.
Raising concerns for high volume asylum claimants crossing into Canada between ports of entry, Ministers discueed reflected on their capacity to manage the new arrivals by continuing to work together in supporting vulnerable people who come to Canada to seek asylum.
“Note: As requested by the Government of Quebec, the Quebec minister responsible for immigration holds observer status at the Federal-Provincial/Territorial Ministers’ Table. Under the Canada-Québec Accord, Quebec assumes sole responsibility for establishing immigration levels, and for the selection, francization and integration of immigrants. In areas under its responsibility, Quebec develops its policies and programs, and legislates, regulates and sets its own standards,” the news release has reported..
Prince Edward Island officials reportedly participated as observers due to a provincial election.
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