Federal-Provincial-Territorial Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration

October 12, 2016 - Winnipeg, MB - Federal,  provincial and territorial ministers responsible for immigration met today in  Winnipeg to talk about the future of immigration in Canada. Ministers discussed  how immigration can support sustainable, long-term economic growth across the  country while celebrating diversity and encouraging the inclusion of all  newcomers to Canada.

Ministers discussed the need for a more responsive immigration system  that attracts and retains global talent to deliver economic benefits to all  jurisdictions. All ministers present agreed that immigration, including the  number of permanent residents Canada accepts each year, plays an important role  in helping build a welcoming and strong country. Ministers affirmed a  commitment to positive economic and social outcomes for all newcomers,  including refugees. Ministers agreed to work together to explore improvements  to the settlement programs, including information and data sharing, to ensure  newcomers are supported in their settlement and equipped to participate in the  labour market. They discussed the need for processing improvements for economic  immigration and a review to determine where there may be duplication of administration  between federal and provincial governments. Provincial and territorial  ministers expressed a desire for incremental growth in the Provincial Nominee  Program allocations.

"Immigration is key to Canada's  economic growth and cultural diversity. Provinces and territories are key partners  in ensuring that we do not take this positive view of immigration for granted.  We continue to work together to ensure that we achieve the significant economic  and social benefits associated with successfully integrating newcomers, while  at the same time meeting the Government's family reunification priority as well  as Canada's commitments to humanitarian protection," said Immigration, Refugees  and Citizenship Minister, John McCallum.

Ministers also discussed the  importance of foreign qualifications recognition, as well as the role played by  Francophone immigrants in  contributing to the vitality of Francophone communities across the  country.  

"Provinces and territories continue to work with the federal government  on the objectives of Canada's Vision Action  Plan for Immigration. We are encouraged by the collaborative approach taken to  developing the immigration levels plan, as predictability and flexibility are  key to achieving our shared immigration objectives. We will continue to partner  with the federal government to create an immigration system that is responsive  to the diverse economic and labour market needs of all of Canada's regions,"  said Ian Wishart, Manitoba Minister of Education and Training and  provincial/territorial co-chair of the forum of ministers responsible for immigration.

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord Relating to Immigration and Temporary Admission of  Aliens, Quebec fully 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, legislates, regulates and sets its own standards.

- 30 -

Contacts:

Communications and  Stakeholder Relations
Executive Council
Government of Manitoba
204-945-1494

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca