In order to better inform its development of the Immigration Levels Plan 2024–2026, IRCC has extended stakeholder discussions, according to recent data received through an Access to Information Request (ATIP). The ATIP data indicates that the IRCC has increased its outreach by twofold, contacting 4,780 stakeholders to take part in an online survey between July 10 and August 4, 2023. Comparing this to the 2,867 stakeholders surveyed in 2022, there has been a notable increase. The increased involvement is a reflection of IRCC’s dedication to fully comprehending the effects of increasing the number of immigrants admitted to Canada. Explore how IRCC’s stakeholder’s for Canada’s immigration plan consultation.
IRCC’s stakeholder’s for Canada’s immigration plan consultation
A total of 633 stakeholders, expressly invited to participate in an online survey in 2023, actively expressed their opinions about the existing immigration numbers and provided suggestions for improvement. In addition to continuing discussions with all province and territory administrations, they actively undertook this cooperative effort.
These stakeholders, which include corporations, academic institutions, non-profits, and providers of settlement services, among others, have important roles that are directly impacted by Canada’s immigration numbers. Their responsibilities include supporting employers in growing their companies and adding new employees, as well as helping immigrants integrate and settle in.
As per the IRCC, the aim of gathering viewpoints from stakeholders is to evaluate the balance between the number of immigrants entering Canada and the development of plans for their improved assistance. It also seeks to learn more about the labor force needs and investigate ways to support Canada’s economy. Potential upgrades to schemes like Express Entry and other regional economic immigration programs fall under this category.
As per the department’s Strategic Immigration Plan, which it presented in late October of the preceding year, the department is to conduct stakeholder consultations in a thorough and complete manner. This calls for actively implementing a more “whole-of-government” and “holistic” approach, demonstrated by the increased involvement initiatives.
Who comprises the stakeholders?
Not-for-profit, charitable, and non-governmental organizations had the greatest response rate among the three main respondent categories, at 30%, while commercial, settlement, and resettlement organizations each had response rates that were marginally higher than 17%. These varied groups, which offer distinctive viewpoints on the experiences of immigrants and their contributions to the national economy, are vital in helping recent arrivals to Canada.
Most stakeholders were concerned, according to the report, that the immigration targets for 2024 and 2025 were too high when compared to the Immigration Levels Plan for 2023–2024. As a result, they suggested that IRCC keep current immigration levels instead of raising them. The IRCC took this position when it unveiled the 2024–2026 plan.
Canada’s Immigration Level Plan
Because of the Immigration Refugees and Protection Act (IRPA), IRCC is required by law to announce immigration goals for the following year as well as interim goals for the next two years.
The IRCC has established a target of 485,000 new permanent residents for the current year, which includes economic immigration programs, family class sponsorship, and the refugee and humanitarian class. The goal stays at 500,000 in 2025 and 2026. According to the IRCC, setting a stable goal for a period of two years will improve immigration sustainability in Canada, relieve pressure on the country’s housing scarcity, and lower the already exorbitant cost of living.
But stakeholders need to carefully weigh this plan against Canada’s ongoing need for talented immigrants who can fill critical positions in a number of high-demand industries, such as healthcare, agriculture, technology, and construction.
According to the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) report, meeting the demands of the economy and labor force is the main factor that stakeholders (nine out of ten) believe will draw more skilled immigrants to Canada. This emphasizes how crucial it is to match immigration laws with the nation’s continuous need for highly qualified workers in vital industries in order to promote development and economic progress.
Advocate for increased economic immigration
Moreover, 62% of respondents said that the bulk of newcomers should enter through economic class immigration programs instead of family class sponsorship or refugee and humanitarian class pathways if IRCC were to raise immigration levels.
The significance of giving regional initiatives more attention in order to better serve the labor market demands of smaller and medium-sized communities was stressed by the respondents. They promoted the use of category-based Express Entry draws that focus on particular characteristics, like occupations, as a calculated move to assist the workforce and economic interests of Canada.
Even as they acknowledged the effectiveness of Express Entry draws, a few participants highlighted a gap that needs addressing, especially concerning “lower skilled” occupations that are currently ineligible for Express Entry. Furthermore, respondents agreed that more permanent residence options for temporary workers and overseas students in Canada were necessary in order to accommodate the changing dynamics of the nation’s labor market and educational system.
Areas of consideration
The lack of inexpensive housing in Canada is a major issue that makes it difficult for newcomers to find acceptable home. According to the report, 96% of participants think that Canada needs to keep making housing investments in order to maintain immigration sustainability.
Stakeholders have voiced concerns over the strain on healthcare services, which is partly caused by population expansion and an aging population that requires more medical care. The urgency has increased as the prediction indicates that nine million Canadians will reach retirement age in just six years.
Stakeholders in this context have determined that increased support for the settling and integration of newcomers is necessary in the critical area of foreign credential recognition. Priorities for employment and professional development also surfaced, especially in the healthcare industry, where entry-level personnel must complete the laborious process of provincial accreditation.
The Canadian federal government stated in January that it will be providing an extra $86 million in financing to 15 groups in response to these concerns. The aim of this initiative is to accelerate the accreditation procedure for healthcare professionals with foreign education.
Furthermore, stakeholders have identified a need for further investment in non-metropolitan centers due to a lack of accessible transit, particularly public transit. This deficit makes it extremely difficult for newcomers to get healthcare, settlement assistance, and a safe commute to work, especially for those without access to personal vehicles.
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