Immigration & Citizenship

  1. Canada continues to be a global leader in refugee resettlement and labour mobility. By welcoming skilled refugees and other displaced individuals to Canada, the government is helping communities and businesses address labour shortages. Continued improvements to the immigration system will help make it more responsive to Canada’s economic needs and humanitarian commitments.
  2. The Government of Canada has launched an engagement initiative called An Immigration System for Canada’s Future. Engaging a broad range of partners and stakeholders with diverse perspectives will help inform a vision for how our immigration system can strengthen communities across the country. The initiative will also include a review of current policies and programs.
  3. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will deliver a keynote address at the Empire Club of Canada and announce a new federal immigration pathway.
  4. As Russia continues its illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, Canada will remain steadfast in its support for those who have been forced to flee. This includes helping people find a temporary safe haven in Canada and providing them with the support they need.
  5. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will make an announcement regarding updates to immigration measures for Ukrainians in response to Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine.
  6. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement.
  7. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will take questions from the media following a tour of Giatec with Germany’s federal Minister of the Interior and Community, Nancy Faeser, and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Hubertus Heil.
  8. As part of Canada’s response to the situation in Türkiye and Syria, the Government of Canada has been processing temporary and permanent residence applications from people affected by the devastating earthquakes on a priority basis, including applications for refugee resettlement. Now, we are also taking steps to make it easier for Turkish and Syrian nationals already in Canada to extend their stay.
  9. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will make an announcement regarding post-graduation work permits (PGWPs). Minister Fraser will be joined by James Maloney, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore.
  10. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will make an announcement regarding new immigration measures to support Turkish and Syrian temporary residents in Canada. Minister Fraser will be joined by the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport.
  11. Employers are facing unprecedented challenges in finding and retaining the workers they need during this period of economic recovery and growth.
  12. Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, today wrapped up a two-day trip to Vancouver, British Columbia, to meet with various immigration stakeholders.
  13. Every woman and girl in Canada should have the opportunity to reach their full potential and overcome the unique barriers that can sometimes stand in their way. These barriers can be particularly significant for racialized newcomer women. That’s why the Government of Canada is helping racialized newcomer women find jobs by providing the support and services they need to succeed.
  14. The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) met today at the Canadian Museum of Immigration in Halifax, Nova Scotia to continue their discussions on the future of immigration in Canada. Ministers focused on advancing joint initiatives to respond to pan-Canadian immigration priorities and were pleased with progress made towards improving the effectiveness of Canada’s immigration system to meet economic and regional needs.
  15. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement:
  16. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today concluded his first official visit to Washington, D.C., to further discussions on migration-related priorities.
  17. Given the importance of the Indo-Pacific region and its impact on Canadians, a comprehensive and inclusive strategy is crucial to guide Canada’s actions. To this end, Canada is investing in fostering ties between Canadians and the region as part of its Indo-Pacific Strategy.
  18. Canada is committed to protecting Iranians already in Canada, and to helping Iranian families stay together. In light of the gross and systematic human rights violations being committed by the Iranian regime during its brutal crackdown on protestors, some may wish to prolong their stay in Canada rather than return home at this time.
  19. Immigration is critical to Canada’s long-term success. To fully harness the potential of immigration and create the best experience for newcomers, Canada needs an immigration system that is strong, easy to navigate and adaptive to change.
  20. Canada continues to be a global leader in refugee resettlement and integration. Since the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program was launched over 4 decades ago, Canadians and permanent residents have come together to offer protection and a safe, permanent home for tens of thousands of refugees each year. Key to the program’s success are over 130 organizations, known as sponsorship agreement holders (SAHs), who sponsor refugees year after year.
  21. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today issued the following statement.
  22. For decades, caregivers from abroad have played an invaluable role in supporting families in Canada. In recognizing their immense sacrifices, Canada has offered pathways to permanent residence in return.
  23. Canada continues to stand by Hong Kong residents and supports the freedom and democracy that are cherished by many. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced today that Canada is extending and expanding the open work permit program for eligible Hong Kong residents.
  24. Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced $485,410 in PacifiCan funding for Community Futures North Okanagan to expand the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot in the Southern Interior of B.C.
  25. Immigration is a core value in Canada and reflects the cultural mosaic that shapes our country’s identity. The contribution of Francophone immigration is even more undeniable because it enriches the linguistic, demographic and economic fabric of Francophone communities.
  26. The Government of Canada continues to deliver innovative immigration measures, such as creating pathways for out-of-status migrants, to help Canadian employers address critical labour shortages.
  27. The Government of Canada is continuing to take concrete actions to help people directly affected by Hurricane Fiona, in addition to the assistance provided through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund. Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that fees will be waived for those who need to replace vital lost or destroyed documents, including travel documents and citizenship certificates.
  28. Good morning, everyone, and a big thank-you to my friend, Sean Casey, for the very kind introduction this morning.
  29. Thank you so much. Look, thank you, Randy, and thank you, everyone who has taken the time to join us today. It’s good to be back in Alberta. We spent the last couple of days here. And, for those of you who may not be aware, this is a province I called home for about 5 years, before I got into politics.
  30. Hello and welcome, everyone. My name’s Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. It’s a pleasure to be here with you today to make a great announcement that supports the tourism sector and tackles the labour shortage.
  31. International youth contribute valuable and diverse skills to Canada's economy when they come from abroad to gain meaningful work and life experiences here. Similarly, Canadian youth benefit from working and travelling abroad and coming home with an international perspective.
  32. Canada has experienced one of the fastest recoveries from the pandemic, thanks in large part to our approach to immigration. Newcomers enrich our communities, and contribute to our economy by working, creating jobs and supporting local businesses. Recognizing their value, the Government of Canada planned to welcome 431,645 new permanent residents in 2022.
  33. mmigration is critical to Canada’s economy and our communities, and it is a large part of our identity as Canadians. Newcomers helped build our country, were on the front lines as we battled the pandemic, and remain key to our success. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been taking steady action to strengthen Canada’s immigration system—reducing wait times, and modernizing its services so they work better for everyone.
  34. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister Responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, issued the following statement.
  35. Canada is an international leader in refugee resettlement and integration, having resettled more refugees than any other country in the world last year. As the world faces the worst global refugee crisis in recent history, more needs to be done. This is why Canada is pioneering the development of labour complementary pathways, in addition to traditional resettlement, for refugees and their families to find a safe and permanent solution.
  36. Halifax—The Government of Canada is committed to the full and equal participation of all women and girls, which is essential to Canada’s economic growth and prosperity. That’s why Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is making it easier for racialized newcomer women to find a job by providing the support and services they need to succeed.
  37. The pace of Canada’s economic recovery has made it hard for employers, including those in the tourism industry, to find the workers they need.
  38. Canada benefits when diverse, engaged, and empowered youth are able to come from abroad to gain meaningful work and life experiences here.
  39. Canada’s relationship with the Indo-Pacific region has been forged through generations of deep person-to-person connections.
  40. Immigration is not just good for our communities and our economy. It is essential. That is why the Government of Canada is working to welcome newcomers who bring the skills our economy needs to help address acute labour shortages across the country.
  41. Canada is at its best when diverse, engaged and empowered youth are able to gain meaningful work and life experiences. In presenting opportunities for Canadian and international youth to travel and work, the Government of Canada is supporting meaningful opportunities for young people to experience other cultures and form lasting relationships.
  42. Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities and Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, inaugurated the new Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration. The inauguration of the centre is one of many events taking place as part of National Francophone Immigration Week.
  43. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, issued the following statement:
  44. The Canadian economy has experienced one of the fastest recoveries from COVID-19 among advanced economies, but is now facing critical labour market shortages causing uncertainty for Canadian businesses and workers.
  45. The Government of Canada continues to work hard to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals as quickly and safely as possible, which is one of the largest commitments of its kind in the world. To date, over 22,581 Afghan nationals have arrived in Canada.
  46. Family reunification plays a significant role in attracting, retaining and integrating immigrants who contribute to our success as a country. Canada has an extremely generous family sponsorship program, which allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents the option to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada as permanent residents.
  47. Employers are facing unprecedented challenges in finding and retaining the workers they need during this period of economic recovery and growth. The Government of Canada is continuing to take concrete actions to address current labour needs.
  48. Doctors from all over the world who choose to come to Canada and work in our communities play a vital role in keeping us healthy and ensuring local access to family physicians at a time when our aging population needs it the most. As provinces and territories seek to attract and retain more foreign-trained doctors to help address shortages, the Government of Canada is making it easier for these doctors to call Canada home permanently.
  49. The Government of Canada continues to work hard to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals as quickly and safely as possible, which is one of the largest commitments of its kind in the world. Welcoming refugees to Canada is an integral part of our country’s long-standing and proud humanitarian tradition.
  50. Canada recognizes strong partnerships are key to addressing shared challenges and advancing the common objective of building a more peaceful, equitable and prosperous post-pandemic world.