Courses in French will be offered to not only immigrants and those planning to move to Quebec but also to all Canadians over the age of 16 who live there via the Quebec immigration department’s new organization, Francisation Québec, starting Thursday June 1.
The teaching of the French language will be conducted in classrooms and by distance education and even in workplaces. Francisation Québec will even provide financial assistance to people, non-profits and businesses to take the courses.
“I am particularly proud to announce the launch Francisation Québec because this is an important aspect in integrating and teaching French to immigrants,” said provincial Immigration Minister Christine Fréchette.
“In 2017, the auditor general described francisation in Quebec as a ‘fiasco’. Since the 2018 election, our government has made this a priority. Our approach is practical and based on partnerships to ensure everyone contributes to the development of a francophone Quebec.”
Francisation Québec will be located within the offices of the Quebec immigration department, the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
The new francisation organization in Quebec try different ways of offering its services in workplaces from June 1 to November 1.
During that period, Francisation Québec will introduce and promote the use of French within small businesses through short courses of 60 to 80 hours in length to teach workers how to use French in their everyday tasks and workplace environment.
The organization will also offer longer courses of 300 hours or more to provide more in-depth learning and progressive mastery of the French language.
“Our priority is to be the government that will have slowed down, stopped and reversed the decline of the use of the French language in Quebec,” said French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge.
Immigrants, Anglo Quebeckers To Learn French In The Coming Years, Says Minister
“We must undertake francisation, particularly of newcomers and anglophone Quebeckers,” he said. “We have a responsibility to foster the learning of the French language for all those who want to do so.”
Quebec Premier François Legault has made it clear his government is deeply-committed to ensuring the survival of the French language in the province. In May, he went so far as to put forth proposals to limit all economic immigration to the province to French-speaking immigrants by 2026.
“As premier of Quebec, my first responsibility is to defend our language and our identity,” said Legault. “During the past few years, the French language has been in decline in Quebec. Since 2018, our government has acted to protect our language, more so than any previous government since the adoption of Bill 101 under the Levesque government.
Watch Video
“But, if we want to turn the tide, we must do more. By 2026, our goal is to have almost entirely francophone economic immigration. We have the duty, as Québécois, to speak French, to daily pass on our culture and to be proud of it.”
Under the proposed changes to Quebec’s immigration system, all adult applicants for economic immigration would have to demonstrate they can speak French.
Business Groups In Quebec Want Much Higher Immigration Levels
Quebec is also launching a public consultation process to determine future immigration levels for 2024 through to 2027. Through that process, the province will seek feedback from Quebeckers and organizations as to whether Quebec should restrict annual immigration to 50,000 new permanent residents or gradually increase that immigration target to 60,000 new permanent residents.
While business groups have vociferously lobbied the province to increase immigration to as many as 90,000 new permanent residents annually to help ease Quebec’s serious labour shortages, the Legault government has repeatedly insisted it must hold the line on immigration to safeguard the French language and the Quebecois cultural identity.
The latest Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data reveals Quebec welcomed 68,715 new permanent residents in 2022 and another 16,045 new permanent residents in the first three months of this year.
That level of immigration, if it held steady for the rest of this year, would see Quebec welcome 64,180 new permanent residents by the end of this year.
It is a major change for the flagship selection system, which has previously conducted draws based on immigration programs.
Candidates need at least six months of continuous work experience in Canada or abroad within the past three years in one of the occupations.
The occupations listed below are for 2023 only. The list could change next year.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada made changes to the Immigration, Refugee and Protection Act last year to facilitate the new targeted draws.
Are you an employer looking to hire foreign workers in Canada? Immigration.ca can help through its sister company, skilledworker.com. We provide a comprehensive recruitment package to help you identify and hire the best individuals from abroad. Contact us now.
Truck driver, under National Occupational Classification 73300, is one of 10 occupations in the transport field to be included.
Opportunities for Internationally-Trained Truck Drivers in Canada
Here are some of the opportunities in Canada for internationally-trained truck drivers:
1. Long-Haul Truck Driving
Long-haul truck driving involves transporting goods over long distances, often across different provinces or even across the Canada-U.S. border. This role offers several advantages:
Lucrative compensation: Long-haul truck driving typically offers higher pay rates compared to other driving positions, considering the extended hours spent on the road and the distance covered.
Travel and exploration: International truck drivers can embrace the opportunity to explore the vast Canadian landscape while transporting goods to various destinations.
Cultural exchange: Interacting with people from different regions and experiencing diverse cultures can be a rewarding aspect of long-haul truck driving.
Watch
2. Local/Regional Truck Driving
If long periods away from home aren’t your cup of tea, local or regional truck driving might be the perfect fit. This type of driving involves shorter routes within a specific city, metropolitan area, or province. Consider the following benefits:
Home every night: Local or regional truck driving allows you to return home daily, offering a better work-life balance and the ability to spend time with loved ones.
Familiarity with routes: Over time, you’ll become well-acquainted with the local roads, traffic patterns, and delivery locations, making your job more efficient.
Predictable schedules: Local or regional truck driving often follows fixed schedules, allowing for better planning and personal commitments.
If you are a candidate looking for a Canada job, or an employer looking to recruit foreign talent from abroad, immigration.ca can help. Access our expertise through our in-house recruitment enterprise skilledworker.com, “the leader in foreign recruitment”.
3. Freight Delivery and Specialized Hauling
Freight delivery and specialized hauling cater to niche market segments and require specific skills and expertise. Here are a few areas where internationally-trained truck drivers can find unique opportunities:
Temperature-controlled transport: Companies in the food industry require drivers skilled in handling temperature-sensitive cargo, ensuring the freshness and quality of perishable goods.
Hazardous materials (Hazmat) transport: Truck drivers with specialized training and certifications can transport hazardous materials safely, following strict regulations and protocols.
Oversized load transport: Hauling oversized oroverweight loads, such as construction equipment or modular buildings, requires drivers with experience in handling and securing large, unconventional cargo.
4. Owner-Operator Opportunities
For truck drivers looking to take control of their own destiny, becoming an owner-operator can be an enticing option. By owning and operating your own truck, you can enjoy the following advantages:
Increased earnings potential: As an owner-operator, you have the opportunity to negotiate higher rates and keep a larger portion of the profits.
Flexibility and independence: You have the freedom to choose your own routes, work schedules, and clients, allowing for greater work-life balance and autonomy.
Business ownership: Owning your own trucking business opens up avenues for expansion, establishing partnerships, and potentially employing other drivers.
5. Driver Training and Certification Programs
If you’re an internationally-trained truck driver seeking to work in Canada, it’s crucial to understand the country’s licensing requirements and undergo the necessary training and certification. Here’s an overview:
Recognize your foreign credentials: Research the requirements for transferring your international driver’s license to a Canadian equivalent. Provincial and territorial regulations may vary, so ensure you comply with the specific guidelines of your intended province.
Enroll in a driver training program: If your international license is not recognized or requires further validation, consider enrolling in a Canadian truck driver training program. These programs offer comprehensive training, familiarize you with local regulations, and help you gain the necessary skills to excel in the Canadian trucking industry.
Obtain the appropriate licenses: Once you’ve completed the training program, you’ll need to obtain the necessary licenses and endorsements required by your intended province. This may include a Class 1 or Class A license for operating commercial vehicles.
Full List Of Occupations To Be Targeted Under New Express Entry Draws
1. Healthcare
Occupation
2021 NOC code
2021 TEER category
Audiologists and speech language pathologists
31112
1
Chiropractors
31201
1
Dentists
31110
1
Dieticians and nutritionists
31121
1
Education counsellors
41320
1
General practitioners and family physicians
31102
1
Instructors of persons with disabilities
42203
2
Kinesiologists and other professional occupation in therapy and assessment
31204
1
Licensed practical nurses
32101
2
Massage therapists
32201
2
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
33101
3
Medical laboratory technologists
32120
2
Medical radiation technologists
32121
2
Medical sonographers
32122
2
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
33102
3
Nurse practitioners
31302
1
Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors
31300
1
Occupational therapists
31203
1
Optometrists
31111
1
Other assisting occupations in support of health services
33109
3
Other practitioners of natural healing
32209
2
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
31209
1
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
32109
2
Paramedical occupations
32102
2
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
33103
3
Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
31303
1
Physiotherapists
31202
1
Psychologists
31200
1
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
31301
1
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
32103
2
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
31100
1
Specialists in surgery
31101
1
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies
41301
1
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
32200
2
Veterinarians
31103
1
2. STEM
Occupation
2021 NOC code
2021 TEER category
Architects
21200
1
Architecture and science managers
20011
0
Business systems specialists
21221
1
Civil Engineers
21300
1
Computer and information systems managers
20012
0
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
21311
1
Computer systems developers and programmers
21230
1
Cybersecurity specialists
21220
1
Data scientists
21211
1
Database analysts and data administrators
21223
1
Electrical and electronics engineers
21310
1
Engineering managers
20010
0
Industrial and manufacturing engineers
21321
1
Information systems specialists
21222
1
Land surveyors
21203
1
Landscape Architects
21201
1
Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
21210
1
Metallurgical and materials engineers
21322
1
Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers
41400
1
Software developers and programmers
21232
1
Software engineers and designers
21231
1
Urban and land use planners
21202
1
Web designers
21233
1
Web developers and programmers
21234
1
3. Trades
Occupation
2021 NOC code
2021 TEER category
Residential and commercial installers and servicers
73200
3
Elevator constructors and mechanics
72406
2
Machine fitters
72405
2
Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
72402
2
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
72400
2
Carpenters
72310
2
Plumbers
72300
2
Electricians (except industrial and power system)
72200
2
Welders and related machine operators
72106
2
Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
72014
2
4. Transport
Occupation
2021 NOC code
2021 TEER category
Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
93200
3
Transport truck drivers
73300
3
Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators
72604
2
Engineer officers, water transport
72603
2
Deck officers, water transport
72602
2
Air traffic controllers and related occupations
72601
2
Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
72600
2
Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
72404
2
Railway carmen/women
72403
2
Managers in transportation
70020
0
5. Agriculture and Agri-Food
Occupation
2021 NOC code
2021 TEER category
Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services
82031
2
Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
Ontario has more trucking jobs going begging for a want of qualified workers to fill them than anywhere else in Canada, making the country’s most populous province rife with opportunities for foreign nationals who want to work there.
Job Bank, the federal government’s job-hunting and career-planning website, was listing 882 trucking jobs, categorized under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 with the code 73300, in late May.
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) was by far the most trucking job intense region, with 494, or 56 per cent, of all of these positions in the province centred in the provincial capital.
In Ontario, the median hourly wage for trucking jobs is $24 but that can rise to $32.34 per hour, reveals Job Bank. Based on a standard 37.5-hour work week, that would be $63,063 at the upper end of the annual wage scale for truckers in Ontario.
But truck drivers are also often paid bonuses by the kilometre, enabling them to earn significantly more.
With transportation companies desperately looking for truckers to replenish and grow their aging workforce, both the federal and provincial governments have been helping out with immigration policies to grant work permits and permanent residence to qualified foreign workers looking for these kinds of jobs in Canada.
Are you an employer looking to hire foreign workers in Canada? Immigration.ca can help through its sister company, skilledworker.com. We provide a comprehensive recruitment package to help you identify and hire the best individuals from abroad. Contact us now.
That means experienced truck drivers with a job offer in Ontario have a specific pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
Applicants must first register in the OINP’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system and receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) before they can apply online to be nominated by the Ontario government for permanent residence.
Once nominated, the next step is to apply to the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The IRCC makes the final decision on who becomes a permanent resident.
Refugees With Truck-Driving Skills Are Welcome To Apply Under The EMPP
Ontario is also one of the nine provinces participating in the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) which allows employers to hire skilled refugees and other displaced individuals, including for trucking jobs.
If you are a candidate looking for a Canada job, or an employer looking to recruit foreign talent from abroad, immigration.ca can help. Access our expertise through our in-house recruitment enterprise skilledworker.com, “the leader in foreign recruitment”.
“Canada is a global leader in helping skilled refugees connect with employers struggling to find workers in critical areas, while giving newcomers the opportunity to restart their careers and their lives here in Canada,” said Immigration Minister Sean Fraser.
“Our government will continue to develop and scale innovative immigration measures to help employers address their critical labour shortages and provide refugees with the opportunity to live in safety while rebuilding their lives.”
Watch Video
Foreign nationals who are not refugees can also immigrate to Ontario as truck drivers through the federal, Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program.
In mid-November last year, truck driver was one of 16 occupations added to the FSW’s list of eligible occupations when the IRCC updated to the NOC 2021 classification system.
Canada’s flagship Express Entry immigration selection system will start new occupation-based draws this summer targeting 82 occupations in five fields.
New draws will also target candidates with strong French language ability, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced on May 31.
Occupations in the following fields will be targeted:
healthcare
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
transport
agriculture and agri-food
To be eligible, candidates must have accumulated, within the past three years, at least six months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) in one of the individual occupations, a full list of which are available later in this article.
The aim is to make Express Entry, which manages applications for federal immigration streams including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Canadian Experience Class, as well as parts of the Provincial Nominee Program, more responsive to labour market needs.
The decision to also target francophone candidates is intended to support French-speaking communities across Canada.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said the announced occupations would be targeted this year, meaning that further fields could be added as shortages are identified.
“Everywhere I go, I’ve heard loud and clear from employers across the country who are experiencing chronic labour shortages,” said Immigration Minister Sean Fraser.
“These changes to the Express Entry system will ensure that they have the skilled workers they need to grow and succeed.
“We can also grow our economy and help businesses with labour shortages while also increasing the number of French-proficient candidates to help ensure the vitality of French-speaking communities.
“Put simply, Canada’s immigration system has never been more responsive to the country’s social or economic needs.”
Changes To Immigration, Refugee and Protection Act
Canada first signalled its intention to start occupation-specific draws through Express Entry in June last year, when changes were made to the Immigration, Refugee and Protection Act to allow invitations based on occupations and other attributes, such as language ability.
The majority of Canada’s provinces have been issuing occupation-specific invitations for several years.
Under the changes to the act, the Immigration Minister is required to consult provinces and territories, members of industry, unions, employers, workers, worker advocacy groups, settlement provider organizations, and immigration researchers and practitioners, before announcing new categories.
Watch Video
IRCC must also report to parliament each year on the categories that were chosen and the reason or the choices.
Employment and Social Development Canada says the number of occupations facing shortages doubled between 2019 and 2021. From 2018 to 2022, Federal High Skilled admissions accounted for between 34 per cent and 40 per cent of overall French-speaking admissions outside Quebec, which manages its own immigration intake.
Occupations To Be Targeted Under New Express Entry Draws
1. Healthcare
Occupation
2021 NOC code
2021 TEER category
Audiologists and speech language pathologists
31112
1
Chiropractors
31201
1
Dentists
31110
1
Dieticians and nutritionists
31121
1
Education counsellors
41320
1
General practitioners and family physicians
31102
1
Instructors of persons with disabilities
42203
2
Kinesiologists and other professional occupation in therapy and assessment
31204
1
Licensed practical nurses
32101
2
Massage therapists
32201
2
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
33101
3
Medical laboratory technologists
32120
2
Medical radiation technologists
32121
2
Medical sonographers
32122
2
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
33102
3
Nurse practitioners
31302
1
Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors
31300
1
Occupational therapists
31203
1
Optometrists
31111
1
Other assisting occupations in support of health services
33109
3
Other practitioners of natural healing
32209
2
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
31209
1
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
32109
2
Paramedical occupations
32102
2
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
33103
3
Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
31303
1
Physiotherapists
31202
1
Psychologists
31200
1
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
31301
1
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
32103
2
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
31100
1
Specialists in surgery
31101
1
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies
41301
1
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
32200
2
Veterinarians
31103
1
2. STEM
Occupation
2021 NOC code
2021 TEER category
Architects
21200
1
Architecture and science managers
20011
0
Business systems specialists
21221
1
Civil Engineers
21300
1
Computer and information systems managers
20012
0
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
21311
1
Computer systems developers and programmers
21230
1
Cybersecurity specialists
21220
1
Data scientists
21211
1
Database analysts and data administrators
21223
1
Electrical and electronics engineers
21310
1
Engineering managers
20010
0
Industrial and manufacturing engineers
21321
1
Information systems specialists
21222
1
Land surveyors
21203
1
Landscape Architects
21201
1
Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
21210
1
Metallurgical and materials engineers
21322
1
Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers
41400
1
Software developers and programmers
21232
1
Software engineers and designers
21231
1
Urban and land use planners
21202
1
Web designers
21233
1
Web developers and programmers
21234
1
3. Trades
Occupation
2021 NOC code
2021 TEER category
Residential and commercial installers and servicers
73200
3
Elevator constructors and mechanics
72406
2
Machine fitters
72405
2
Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
72402
2
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
72400
2
Carpenters
72310
2
Plumbers
72300
2
Electricians (except industrial and power system)
72200
2
Welders and related machine operators
72106
2
Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
72014
2
4. Transport
Occupation
2021 NOC code
2021 TEER category
Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
93200
3
Transport truck drivers
73300
3
Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators
72604
2
Engineer officers, water transport
72603
2
Deck officers, water transport
72602
2
Air traffic controllers and related occupations
72601
2
Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
72600
2
Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
72404
2
Railway carmen/women
72403
2
Managers in transportation
70020
0
5. Agriculture and Agri-Food
Occupation
2021 NOC code
2021 TEER category
Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services
82031
2
Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
The May 30 draws were split into two categories: general and targeted.
In the general draw, which included tech occupations, 151 invitations were issued through five BC PNP streams for skilled workers and international graduates. Minimum scores ranged from 85 to 107 points.
In the targeted draw, a further 26 invitations were issued to skilled workers and international graduates scoring at least 60 points in a draw targeting Early Childhood Educators and Assistants under NOC 42202.
A draw targeted at Healthcare workers saw 14 invitations issued to skilled workers, international graduates and entry level and semi-skilled workers, also with a minimum score of 60 points.
A final draw targeting other priority occupations under NOCs 31103 and 32104 saw ‘less than 5’ invitations issued to candidates with a minimum score of 60 points. The number of invitations was recorded as ‘less than 5’ to protect the identity of those invited.
A think-tank says Canada is refusing too many international students’ study permit applications to attend colleges and universities in Quebec and limiting immigration out of a misplaced fear these foreign nationals will not return to their countries of origin after their studies.
International students from African countries hoping to study in the francophone province suffer from a particularly high level of refusal of study permit applications; 72 per cent of them are turned down.
In a report released this month, the Institut du Québec’s Emma Braham and Daye Diallo argue that these international students represent a valuable pool of potential immigrants to Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) should let more of them into the country to pursue their studies.
“In Quebec, the integration of immigrants into the labour force has greatly improved over the past few years. This has been partly due to a tight labour market but also due to their previous experience in Quebec,” said Braham, the institute’s executive director.
“Given that, international students offer great potential to help alleviate the labour shortage in Quebec. Upon completion of their studies, they have not only their degrees which meet provincial standards but by then also networks which greatly facilitate their integration.”
In 2021, almost half of international students accepted by Quebec universities were refused study permits by the federal government, notes the think-tank’s report, A Portrait of Temporary Immigration/Attraction and Retention of International Students in Quebec (Portrait de l’immigration temporaire Attraction et rétention des étudiants étrangers au Québec).
“An analysis of the reasons given by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to refuse study permits indicates that one of the main reasons provided to justify these refusals was that there was a risk the student would not return to his or her country of origin upon the completion of those studies,” said Diallo, the think-tank’s chief economist.
“There is no reason for this criteria – and it demonstrates a certain incoherence – in the context of the efforts by both levels of government to encourage international graduates to settle in Quebec.”
Throughout Canada, including Quebec, many immigrants get their permanency through a two-step process, first arriving in the country and gaining work experience as temporary workers or international students and then applying for permanent residency.
Quebec Poised To Relax PEQ Work Experience Criteria
In Quebec, the provincial government is hoping to relax the conditions or its Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) – or Quebec Experience Class – immigration program.
The PEQ is an accelerated immigration program for international students and temporary workers, a pathway for them to get their permanent residency in Canada’s only francophone province.
When now-Premier François Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) first formed the government after a landslide victory in 2018, the Quebec government undertook a controversial reform of the PEQ after deciding the immigration program was letting in too many immigrants.
The PEQ is similar to the federal Canadian Experience Class (CEC) pathway to permanent residence but offers an even more simplified process.
In the wake of the reforms to the PEQ which started as soon as the CAQ formed the government, Quebec added a requirement that international students and temporary workers needed to have 12 to 18 months of work experience before being able to apply.
Watch Video
In a news report, Radio-Canada, the French-language network of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, claimed last month to have obtained information that this work experience criteria will be softened for international students, meaning those foreign nationals will soon be able to apply to the PEQ with less work experience provided they are studying in French-language program.
In its report, the Institut du Québec notes this work experience requirement is partly to blame for the slowness of the process to immigrate to Quebec. The think-tank, though, also spreads the blame around, including onto the IRCC for its slower processing time for applications to Quebec than to the rest of the country.
Applications for permanent residency to Quebec currently take 21 months compared to as little as four months and as long as 19 months for those to the rest of Canada, notes the think tank.
Canada is giving almost $12 million in funding to a British Columbia-based social service agency to offer pre-arrival settlement services to future immigrants, temporary workers and international students.
“Pre-arrival services provide permanent residents with the resources to make informed decisions about their new life in Canada,” said International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan,
“This new funding will deliver consistent, high-quality, client-centred services to people around the world. With our investment, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. can continue supporting the needs of newcomers by offering helpful online and in-person services.”
The funding announcement on Friday, May 12, was a specific dispersal of some of the $65 million pledged the previous day to 15 organizations across Canada for immigrant settlement services.
With its 40 service locations across Canada and in Asia, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. offers programs and services to foreign nationals and families preparing for Canada, temporary residents, permanent residents and those who are already Canadian citizens.
“Providing services to newcomers before they arrive in Canada is critical to successful integration,” said Immigration Minister Sean Fraser.
“These services help newcomers make decisions about the life they want to live in Canada as early as possible in their immigration journey and helps them contribute to the economy more quickly. The success of newcomers in Canada is because of the hard work and efforts of groups like S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Ensuring that early success is critical to our economy and ensuring long-term prosperity for Canada and its people.”
During a visit to S.U.C.C.E.S.S., one of 15 Ottawa-funded service providers that offer information, orientation, and referrals to newcomers in Canada, Sajjan discussed with community organizers the information they provide about the Canadian workplace, soft skills development, and employment counselling, as well as services to help refugees prepare for jobs in Canada.
Watch Video
“S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is honoured to be recognized as a key pre-arrival service provider and we’re proud to continue delivering services to ensure newcomers are better equipped to settle in Canada,” said Queenie Choo, the organization’s chief executive officer.
“Since 2008, our Active Engagement and Integration Project (AEIP) has delivered pre-arrival settlement services to more than 41,000 newcomers from 155 countries. Our program continues to adapt to better serve new arrivals. We recently developed mental health webinars and self-care kits to help clients cope with immigration challenges and we’re grateful for the opportunity to assist even more newcomers in partnership with IRCC in future.”
Ottawa YMCA Also Getting $1.2m For Pre-Arrival Services
With the latest funding for settlement services announced this month, the YMCA of the National Capital Region is also getting $1.2 million to continue delivering its pre-arrival services to new immigrants which can be accessed online and in-person.
Those pre-arrival services allow newcomers to get information about such things as the Canadian workplace, employment counselling and soft skills development.
“Deciding to move to a new country is perhaps one of the biggest decisions a person will make in their life. We are thrilled to see the substantial investment made from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada into pre-arrival services,” said Bob Gallagher, president and CEO of the YMCA of the National Capital Region.
“Investments like these allow the YMCA to continue providing specialized information and orientation about the skilled trades, engineering and construction sectors, and help individuals ease their transition to Canada.”
Through its pre-arrival services offered through organizations in British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and abroad, the IRCC attempts to help in the economic and social integration of newcomers by:
directly connecting clients with the information and services they need through a streamlined, easy-to-navigate process;
encouraging newcomers to apply for recognition of their foreign credentials before they arrive, if needed, and;
linking clients to federal and provincial settlement services in Canada.
Last year, Canada welcomed a record-breaking 437,540 new permanent residents, the latest IRCC data reveals.
In the first three months of this year, another 145,330 new permanent residents have been welcomed to the country.
In its 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan, Ottawa has planned for 465,000 new permanent residents for this year, 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and another 500,000 in 2025.
Quebec Premier François Legault has taken another step towards making good on his plan to limit economic immigration to the francophone province to only those foreign nationals who already speak French.
The premier first announced he intended to do this immediately upon opening the provincial legislature after winning re-election last year.
Then, on May 25, Legault unveiled a series of proposed changes to Quebec’s immigration system that would turn that vision of French-only economic immigration to the province into a reality.
“As premier of Quebec, my first responsibility is to defend our language and our identity,” said Legault.
“During the past few years, the French language has been in decline in Quebec. Since 2018, our government has acted to protect our language, more so than any previous government since the adoption of Bill 101 under the Levesque government.
“But, if we want to turn the tide, we must do more. By 2026, our goal is to have almost entirely francophone economic immigration. We have the duty, as Québécois, to speak French, to daily pass on our culture and to be proud of it.”
Under the proposed changes to Quebec’s immigration system, all adult applicants for economic immigration would have to demonstrate they can speak French.
Provincial Immigration Minister Christine Fréchette, the minister responsible for the Ministre de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), described the proposed changes as historic.
“Never before has a government made French language competence obligatory for economic immigration applicants in Quebec,” she said.
“The work we’ve done these last few months have allowed us to put forth important reforms to both stop the decline of the French language and to also respond effectively to the important labour market needs of our province.”
Quebec Government Seeking Public Input On Immigration Levels For 2024 To 2027
Quebec is also launching a public consultation process to determine future immigration levels for 2024 through to 2027. Through that process, the province will seek feedback from Quebeckers and organizations as to whether Quebec should restrict annual immigration to 50,000 new permanent residents or gradually increase that immigration target to 60,000 new permanent residents.
While business groups have vociferously lobbied the province to increase immigration to as many as 90,000 new permanent residents annually to help ease Quebec’s serious labour shortages, the Legault government has repeatedly insisted it must hold the line on immigration to safeguard the French language and the Quebecois cultural identity.
The latest Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data reveals Quebec welcomed 68,715 new permanent residents in 2022 and another 16,045 new permanent residents in the first three months of this year.
Watch Video
That level of immigration, if it held steady for the rest of this year, would see Quebec welcome 64,180 new permanent residents by the end of this year.
Jean-François Roberge, Quebec’s minister of the French language, said this week the province will be making big moves to protect the French language in the coming months.
Earlier this spring, Quebec announced the launch of its Groupe d’Action pour l’Avenir de la Langue Française and an online platform to get public input on the future of the French language.
Roberge and Fréchette are both members of that group and are expected to soon unveil their plan to stop the decline of the French language in Quebec.
A series of measures have been announced to help Canada’s family reunification immigration and support newcomers as they settle in the country, including the introduction of open work permits for spousal and family class applicants.
The measures announced by Immigration Minister Sean Fraser include faster processing times for temporary resident visas (TRVs) for spousal applicants, dedicated processing tools for spousal TRV applications, as well as the open work permits.
These progressive policies aim to ensure that families can reunite more quickly, while also providing them with the means to support themselves in Canada, the federal government said.
One of the significant developments is the implementation of faster TRV processing times for spousal applicants. Going forward, most of these applications will be processed within 30 days.
These applications will benefit from specialized processing measures tailored to the circumstances of spouses and dependents. This focus on expedited processing has already yielded promising results, with an approval rate of 93 per cent among applicants who have been processed using these new tools.
Open work permits are now available to spousal applicants and their dependent children who reside with their sponsor in Canada and have temporary resident status. By granting open work permits as soon as a complete permanent residence application is submitted under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class or other family class programs, Canada aims to provide newcomers with immediate access to the job market.
The government has also extended the validity of open work permits for spousal applicants and other open work permit holders whose permits expire between August 1 and the end of 2023.
This extension offers reassurance to individuals and families who were concerned about the uncertainty surrounding their work permits.
A similar option was recently provided to individuals with expiring post-graduation work permits.
“Family reunification through immigration is not only a matter of compassion; it is a fundamental pillar of Canadian society,” Fraser said.
Watch Video
In recent years, Canada has made substantial efforts to enhance client services, streamline processes, and accelerate decision-making on immigration applications.
In 2022, over 5.2 million applications were processed across various immigration programs, resulting in millions of people receiving decisions on their cases. As part of these improvements, the service standard for processing new spousal sponsorship applications has been set at 12 months for 80 per cent of cases, excluding Quebec.
While open work permits are available to foreign nationals in different situations, not all individuals will be eligible for an extension.
Eligibility for the extension is limited to categories including permanent residence applicants awaiting a decision, sponsored spouses with valid temporary resident status, spouses or common-law partners of work permit holders, and spouses or common-law partners of study permit holders.
Canada issued over one million work permits and work permit extensions in 2022.
PGWP Extensions Allowed
Canada recently allowed foreign nationals with expired or expiring Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) another 18-month extension.
PGWPs are not usually renewable but, starting Apr. 6, international graduates with one of these permits which expired last year or earlier this year will qualify for an additional or extended work permit to stay longer and gain additional work experience for up to 18 months.
Those with expired work permits will be able to restore their status, even if they are beyond the 90-day restoration period and will receive an interim work authorization while awaiting processing of their new work permit application.
Tens of thousands of international students successfully transition to permanent residence each year, including more than 157,000 in 2021, a record high, and nearly 95,000 in 2022, the second-highest total ever.
