Canadian government reveals new immigration priorities

Canada’s new immigration policy has been stamped officially as the prime minister issues the new supplementary mandate letter to immigration minister Marco Mendicino.

Why is this letter issued to the immigration minister by the prime minister is a simple but interesting fact? It is simply a task in a form of completing the immigration goals on behalf of the prime minister. The immigration minister and IRCC are both responsible to pursue these policies and make them successful as the government remains in power. This letter is a continuity of the previous mandate letter that was issued to the immigration minister in December 2019. No special new steps have been announced except for a couple of issues.

The key points of the newly issued mandate letter are as follows:

Implementing the immigration program 2021-2023

The first point is about implementing the immigration program of 2021-2023. On October 30, 2020, the Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, tabled the 2021‒2023 Immigration Levels Plan that will allow 401,000 immigrants in 2021, 411,000 in 2022, and 421,000 in 2023. Justin Trudeau writes in his letter about this as follows:

• “Continue to bring newcomers to Canada safely to drive economic growth and recovery, as recently set out in the 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan, including by”:
  – Expanding pilot programming to welcome skilled refugees through economic immigration streams;
  – Continuing to support expedited family reunification; and
  – Continuing work on sectoral and regional pilot programs.

Permanent residency for Covid crises workers

The biggest benefit has been given to those who have worked during the Covid-19 pandemic crises as front-line workers. The letter states as follows about this point:

• “Continue to implement measures that create pathways to permanent residency for those who have provided health care in long-term care homes or medical facilities or performed other essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic”.

The proper management system of the Canadian borders

“Continue working with the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and the Minister of Health to protect the health and safety of Canadians through safe, responsible, and compassionate management of the border with the United States and other ports of entry into Canada”.

Good news for foreign workers

The prime minister insists again on the proper settlement of the temporary foreign workers. The letter states:

• “Continue exploring pathways to permanent residency and citizenship for temporary foreign workers”.

Combine working of Employment ministry and immigration ministry

“Support the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Disability Inclusion to continue to fully support and protect workers who are vulnerable to COVID-19 and secure labor to fill workforce gaps in farming and food processing”.

Empowerment and integration of foreign workers through PNP streams

Continue working with provinces and territories to support high-quality settlement services and facilitate the successful settlement and integration of new Canadians. This includes continuing to support French-language training while respecting provincial jurisdiction and complementing existing measures, supported by the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.

Special support for Iranis and Ukrainian affectees

Support the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to implement recommendations and lessons learned from the report of the Special Advisor for Canada’s ongoing response to Ukraine. International Airlines tragedy, including commemorating the lives of the victims and supporting their families, pursuing truth and accountability from Iran, and preventing future disasters through the Safer Skies Initiative.