The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau has announced that immigration still remains a top priority and a key component of Canada’s COVID-19 recovery plan. In a new mandate letter sent to Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, Trudeau highlights the priorities for the department and reveals what the future of Canadian immigration will look like.
The new letter addresses Canada’s new aims in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and establishes the manner in which the new session of parliament that started in September will be conducted.
The letter borders on the 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan that was released in October 2020. According to the plan, Canada will grant entry to over 400,000 newcomers every year for the next three years.
Furthermore, the mandate letter highlights the importance of admitting new immigrants to Canada in a bid to aid economic growth and recovery. Trudeau suggests that the main ways this be done is:
▪ Expanding Canada’s pilot programs to welcome skilled refugees via economic immigration streams
▪ Supporting and prioritising family reunification
▪ Developing regional pilot programs
Also, the mandate letter states that Canadian immigration should work towards the implementation of pathways to permanent residence for temporary foreign workers, health care workers, and other essential workers who have offered their services and expertise during the recent health crisis.
Trudeau made it known that Mendicino should be liaising with provinces and territories to help new immigrants settle and have smooth transition to life in Canada.
The letter also stresses the importance of continuing to protect the health and safety of all Canadians by managing the border with the United States and other ports of entry to Canada.
