Canada’s new Immigration Minister has outlined his vision for Canada’s immigration system in first major speech since his November 2019 appointment as minister.
Speaking last month, Marco Mendicin said that Canada’s future depends on immigration, and that it is critical to have a dialogue on how many people Canada needs to secure its economic prosperity.
The Minister revealed that Canada will aim to welcome over one million immigrants over the next three years, noting that he will formally table Canada’s 2020-2022 Immigration Levels Plan in March.
Express Entry will remain the flagship program for welcoming immigrants to Canada, having been successful since launching in January 2015. Minister Mendicino noted that 95 per cent of Express Entry arrivals have jobs and some 80 per cent are working in their fields of expertise.
Minister Mendicino urged attendees to support a national dialogue that immigration is a net positive for Canada. He observed that Canada’s immigration system has been lauded by the OECD as the international standard on how to effectively manage an immigration system.
He concluded by stating that Canada is built on the strength of immigration.
“Welcoming immigrants will help to grow the labour market, support businesses, and ensure that Canada remains the best country in the world,” he said.
Article published 11th March 2020