Toronto, April 14, 2021 - Century Initiative issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement from the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship on new streams to permanent residency for essential workers and international students living and working in Canada.
Last year, we applauded the Government’s announcement of an ambitious 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan, representing a significant step to support Canada’s long-term prosperity. Today, we welcome the announcement of new programs that will grant permanent residency to 90,000 temporary workers in essential sectors and international students. These new streams will help the federal government meet its target of 401,000 new permanent residents in 2021.
The Government’s expansion of immigration targets and creation of these programs shows a deep understanding of the role that immigration must play in our response to and recovery from Covid-19, as well as in building a prosperous society and economy into the future.
Century Initiative has emphasized the high level of potential that lies in increasing pathways to permanent immigration for temporary residents already in Canada who are familiar with the country and its communities, including international students and temporary workers. We are encouraged by the steps outlined in today’s announcement.
With the ongoing economic challenges posed by the pandemic, it will be vital that continued efforts are made to not only provide pathways to permanent residency, but also supports to ensure new immigrants are able to achieve labour market success, with our economy and society fully leveraging their talent and skills.
