Ontario introduces new immigration act

The government of Ontario has introduced a new immigration act designed to help the province maximise the economic benefits of immigration.

Building on the federal government’s immigration strategy, the Ontario Immigration Act will:

– Facilitate Ontario’s work with the federal government on the recruitment, selection and admission of skilled immigrants

– Strengthen the province’s ongoing efforts to reduce fraud by protecting the integrity of Ontario’s immigrant selection program and improving accountability

– Increase transparency and information-sharing with the province’s immigration partners.

The legislation also supports the expansion of the Provincial Nominee Programme to bring in skilled immigrants to help grow Ontario’s economy.

“The Ontario Immigration Act will help Ontario be a stronger competitor in the global market,” explained Michael Chan, Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade. “Newcomers to Ontario are bridges to their former homes and can help the province enhance our exports and attract new investment. It’s important that we recognise the value of a diverse workforce and the advantages of having an Ontario economy that is globally connected.”

Ontario is the number one destination for newcomers to Canada, receiving more immigrants than the combined total of all the western provinces, as well as all the territories.

What’s more, statistics show that Newcomers make up 30 per cent of Ontario’s labour force. Over the next 25 years, immigration will account for all of the increases in Ontario’s working-age population and is expected to be a major source of future labour force growth.

Maximising Ontario’s immigration programmes is part of the provincial government’s economic plan. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.