Speech Highlights Delivered Thursday, March 21, 2024.
Canada stands as a beacon of multiculturalism, drawing individuals from all corners of the globe to its shores. Under the leadership of Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Canada’s immigration landscape continues to evolve, guided by principles of inclusivity and prosperity. At the heart of Canada’s immigration journey lies a deep respect for indigenous territories. Minister Miller’s acknowledgment of the Algonquin Anishinaabe People’s traditional and unceded territory sets the tone for a dialogue rooted in cultural reverence.
Building Bridges: Collaboration is key to Canada’s immigration success. Minister Miller extends appreciation to colleague Randy Boissonnault, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in shaping immigration policies that reflect the nation’s values and aspirations.
Economic Growth and Community Empowerment: Minister Miller’s vision encompasses more than just immigration numbers; it seeks to cultivate thriving communities. From dedicated programs in rural, northern, and Atlantic regions to the Francophone Immigration Policy, Canada’s initiatives aim to foster economic growth and preserve cultural heritage.
Understanding the Landscape: To address current challenges, Minister Miller emphasizes the need to understand the composition of temporary residents in Canada.
This diverse group includes:
– 42% international students
– 9% temporary foreign workers under the Temporary Foreign Workers Program
– 44% temporary workers under the International Mobility Program, including post-graduate work permit holders, spouses of students or workers, and individuals arriving through humanitarian pathways
-5% asylum seekers who are waiting for their claim to be heard at the Immigration and Refugee Board
The pandemic exposed labor shortages across Canada’s economy. Minister Miller highlights the proactive measures taken to address these shortages and facilitate economic recovery. Employment has surged to 1.2 million jobs above pre-COVID levels, with an unemployment rate of 5.8% as of February 2024, demonstrating a robust recovery.
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Adapting to Challenges: Canada’s immigration landscape faces challenges, notably the surge in temporary residents. Minister Miller recognizes the enriching contributions of temporary residents while highlighting the need for a sustainable immigration system that meets evolving labour market demands. To navigate these challenges, Minister Miller emphasizes the importance of understanding their origins. Through a comprehensive review of existing programs and collaboration with provincial counterparts, Canada aims to align immigration policies with labour market needs while ensuring robust pathways to permanent residence.
The COVID-19 pandemic left labor shortages in almost every sector of the Canadian economy. Provinces and businesses needed more workers to fill these gaps, and Canada successfully used all available tools to prevent an economic breakdown. Employment is now 1.2 million jobs above its pre-COVID February 2020 level, with the unemployment rate at 5.8% as of February 2024.
Canada has not only recovered all the jobs lost during the pandemic but has also achieved 138% of that number. As part of its humanitarian response, Canada anticipates welcoming nearly 300,000 Ukrainians by the end of the month. These significant global commitments reflect Canada’s dedication to supporting those in need, but they also necessitate an honest conversation about the implications of increasing international migration for Canada’s future planning.
Provincial Nominee Program: The Provincial Nominee Program empowers provinces and territories to address specific economic needs by nominating individuals for permanent residency. To facilitate the transition of temporary residents to permanent residency, Canada will increase domestic draws and encourage provinces and territories to align their allocations accordingly.
With the volume of temporary residents in Canada reaching 2.5 million (6.2% of the population) in 2023, it is crucial to set targets for a sustainable level of temporary residents. Minister Miller’s levels planning will include a target to ensure Canada can welcome an adequate volume of temporary residents.
A Vision for Inclusivity: Minister Miller’s message resonates with Canada’s commitment to inclusivity and integrity. By setting targets for both temporary and permanent residents, Canada seeks to build a well-managed, sustainable immigration system that prioritizes the welfare of newcomers and the nation alike.
Minister Miller’s leadership underscores Canada’s unwavering commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive society. As the nation continues to evolve, its immigration policies serve as a beacon of hope, welcoming individuals from around the world to contribute to its rich tapestry of cultures and communities.
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