Century Initiative presented to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration on the economic imperative and long-term importance for small rural municipalities outside of major cities to retain new immigrants.
Canada's future prosperity depends on the ability for all provinces to attract and retain immigrants - particularly in parts of the country where need for workforce growth is higher due to population aging and declining fertility. Canada has developed a unique set of programs that allow provinces and municipalities to select economic immigrants for permanent residence. They help spread the benefits of immigration beyond major urban centres. These programs are unique and are strategic assets to learn from and build on. We must also support newcomers when they arrive so they can succeed and fully contribute to the country's social and economic life.
