A comprehensive agreement on immigration has been signed between the Canadian federal government and the provincial government of Ontario.
The Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement (COIA) creates a new framework to strengthen the long-term partnership between the province and Canada to welcome and settle immigrants, boost the economy and address shared humanitarian responsibilities.
The agreement outlines the respective roles and responsibilities, and shared immigration priorities in selection policy, program integrity, attraction of French-speaking immigrants, and newcomer and refugee settlement.
“Ontario is the top destination for new permanent residents settling in Canada each year, typically exceeding 100,000 newcomers,” explained Canada’s Immigration Minister, Ahmed Hussen. “With the ambitious three-year levels plan we’ve established on immigration, the time is right to put a new agreement in place that defines how Canada and the province will work together to achieve our mutual goals.”
A joint effort to help internationally trained newcomers meet provincial requirements to work in their profession has also been announced. A total investment of up to CDN$91 million in bridge training programs over the next three years will help newcomers get the training they need to meet provincial requirements to work in their occupation.
“Immigration is good for Ontario and good for Canada,” stated Laura Albanese, the province’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “The Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement strengthens Ontario’s ability to partner with the federal government to attract skilled newcomers who will benefit our shared economies and contribute to Canada’s future prosperity.”
Canada’s new multi-year levels plan will see almost one million new permanent residents welcomed by the end of 2020. Ontario is expected to remain the top destination for newcomers to Canada during this period.
The COIA takes effect immediately, including annexes that detail specific arrangements on provincial nominees and foreign workers. In the months ahead, additional annexes are planned that will set out Canada-Ontario collaboration on French-speaking immigrants, international students, and the role of municipal governments as partners in immigration.
Article published 27th November 2017