Immigration & Citizenship

  1. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, will make a housing announcement.
  2. I want to start by acknowledging that we are gathered on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe People.
  3. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, together with the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, will hold a media availability to provide an update on temporary resident levels.
  4. “Today, we are proud to celebrate the International Day of La Francophonie. This day is an opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate the linguistic duality that is at the heart of our national identity, and to reflect on the importance of the French language that links us to so many communities around the world. It’s also an opportunity to highlight the importance of French­speaking newcomers who choose to settle in Canada, and who are essential to the economic, cultural and linguistic development of their new communities."
  5. Rural and Francophone minority communities are critical to Canada’s long-term growth, and regional immigration plays a key role in strengthening their economies. In particular, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) has been successful in connecting businesses and employers in remote communities with the skilled newcomers they need to thrive.
  6. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will announce new immigration pilots for rural and Francophone minority communities.
  7. Canada continues to create new opportunities for Canadian youth to explore other cultures and build lasting connections abroad. The Government of Canada also welcomes youth from around the world to experience Canada’s diversity and richness through work and travel.
  8. “Canada is a top choice for people around the world who want to come here to work, study and build a life with their families. As we welcome these newcomers who bring the skills our economy needs to grow, we must continue to take meaningful action to tackle immigration fraud and protect Canadians and those who wish to come here in good faith."
  9. Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world’s most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our immigration system, the Government of Canada is adjusting its travel requirements for Mexican citizens.
  10. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will hold a media availability to provide an update on immigration measures.
  11. To commemorate Black History Month, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will welcome 19 of Canada’s newest citizens. The ceremony will be presided by Citizenship Judge Rochelle Ivri.
  12. Immigration is critical to Canada’s long-term success. Newcomers and visitors fuel our economy and add vibrancy to our communities. As we continue to receive high volumes of visa applications from around the world, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is committed to improving processing efficiency and client service. This includes expanding our international presence when needed.
  13. Francophone immigration plays a crucial role in strengthening our national identity, while also growing the economy and addressing labour shortages. That’s why Canada is increasing its efforts to welcome French-speaking skilled workers outside Quebec to ensure the sustainability and economic development of Francophone minority communities.
  14. The Government of Canada values its close working relationship with the Government of Quebec, a bilateral relationship that has allowed us to mutually support Quebecers over many immigration-related objectives.
  15. The Government of Canada is dedicated to honouring the memory of the millions of people who died senselessly in the Holocaust, and the Canadians who fought to liberate Europe from the Nazis. This tragic chapter in world history can never be forgotten.
  16. With increasing global migration, Canada is experiencing a rise in the number of people claiming asylum. While housing and supports for asylum claimants are the responsibility of provinces and municipalities, the federal government recognizes the need for all orders of government to work together to address the rise in the number of people claiming asylum in Canada.
  17. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement:
  18. International students enrich our communities and are a critical part of Canada’s social, cultural and economic fabric. In recent years, the integrity of the international student system has been threatened. Some institutions have significantly increased their intakes to drive revenues, and more students have been arriving in Canada without the proper supports they need to succeed. Rapid increases in the number of international students arriving in Canada also puts pressure on housing, health care and other services. As we work to better protect international students from bad actors and support sustainable population growth in Canada, the government is moving forward with measures to stabilize the number of international students in Canada.
  19. Canada values the significant social, cultural and economic benefits that international students bring to Canada. For those benefits to continue and to ensure international students who arrive in Canada are set up for success, we must tackle issues that have made some students vulnerable and have challenged the integrity of the International Student Program. This includes making sure we can manage the number of international students coming to Canada in a sustainable manner, while punishing any bad actors who pose a threat to the system.
  20. Francophone immigration plays a crucial role in Canada’s economic growth and promotes the vitality of Francophone minority communities and meet labour needs across the country.
  21. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will provide an update on various elements related to Francophone immigration in Canada.
  22. The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, following Hamas’s terrorist attacks on October 7, has created a humanitarian catastrophe on an unprecedented scale in Gaza. Understanding that many Canadians are concerned about the safety of their loved ones in Gaza, in December, the Government of Canada announced new measures to support extended family members who are able to exit the area.
  23. Canada is deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, and for the safety and well-being of the Sudanese people. We continue to support the people of Sudan who are striving for peace and an end to violence in the country.
  24. Canada remains deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since Hamas’s terrorist attack in early October, Canada has been actively working to support the assisted departure of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their eligible family members from Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.
  25. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will provide an update on the measures in place for those affected by the conflict in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
  26. "Newcomers, including refugees, play a vital role in shaping Canada. They enrich our society and communities, and contribute to our long-term economic prosperity."
  27. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, made and endorsed a number of pledges at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum.
  28. Geneva, Switzerland—Across the globe, more than 114 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes, and one third of them are refugees. In response to this vast humanitarian need, Canada shares a responsibility to step up and take action. We continue to be a leading example in offering protection to the most vulnerable populations, supporting the countries that host them, and creating opportunities beyond resettlement through skills-based pathways.
  29. Canada continues to benefit from the interest shown by young people from around the world who wish to come here to acquire and contribute professional skills, travel and take part in the Canadian experience.
  30. Canada is a top destination for international students, thanks to our high-quality educational institutions; our welcoming, diverse society; and the opportunities for some to work or immigrate permanently after graduation. While international students have contributed to life on campuses and innovation across the country, they have also experienced some serious challenges, such as finding adequate housing, as they pursue their studies in Canada.
  31. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will hold a media scrum to provide an update on the International Students Program.
  32. Canada is a top destination for people looking for a new place to work, study, travel and build their lives with their families. As we continue to receive high volumes of applications from around the world, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is committed to reducing wait times and finding ways to better serve our clients.
  33. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will welcome 35 of Canada’s newest citizens from 11 countries at a ceremony at Sherbrooke City Hall. Minister Miller will be joined by Élisabeth Brière, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Raïs Kibonge, Deputy Mayor of Sherbrooke. The ceremony will be presided by Citizenship Judge Rania Sfeir.
  34. The world is facing unprecedented global displacement levels, and like many countries, Canada is experiencing a rise in asylum claims. This has placed immense pressure on Canada’s shelter systems and as winter approaches, the need becomes more urgent. All levels of government must work together to address these challenges and develop solutions.
  35. The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, on behalf of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will hold a press conference to announce a federal contribution to support housing needs for asylum seekers in the Peel Region.
  36. The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) met today in Toronto to continue discussions on the future of immigration in Canada. Ministers expressed support for a coordinated approach to address immigration opportunities and challenges, including collaborating on economic immigration to meet labour needs, while addressing pressures on social infrastructure, housing and settlement services. This approach is based on the principle of shared jurisdiction and mutual respect for both federal and provincial-territorial roles and responsibilities for immigration in Canada.* Ministers agreed that immigration is a key component of the country’s fabric, as it contributes to its diversity, economy, and meeting labour market needs. Ministers also concurred on the importance of supporting Canada’s response to humanitarian crises and the needs of vulnerable newcomers.
  37. Immigration pathway for Colombian, Haitian and Venezuelan nationals with family in Canada
  38. The world is facing an unprecedented migration crisis. With record numbers of people displaced internationally, Canada recognizes the need to take action and is working to support vulnerable individuals by providing them with safe and regular migration pathways. This is why Canada is providing an alternative to irregular migration by welcoming 15,000 people from the Western Hemisphere through a family-based humanitarian pathway in addition to our existing programs.
  39. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will hold a media availability alongside his provincial and territorial counterparts following a meeting of the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration.
  40. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that eligible newcomers have the support and services they need to succeed in fully integrating into and contributing both to the Canadian economy and to their new communities.
  41. Francophone immigration plays an important role in the development and prosperity of Francophone communities outside Quebec. Canada therefore intends to increase its efforts to welcome more Francophone immigrants in these communities.
  42. “Today, we are celebrating the 11th edition of National Francophone Immigration Week under the theme ‘A welcoming land.’ This week allows us to highlight the importance of Francophone immigration to Canada. It is an opportunity for everyone in Canada to celebrate the cultural diversity that makes our country shine. This is also the time to express our appreciation for the extraordinary contribution of French-speaking immigrants to Canada’s cultural, demographic and economic richness."
  43. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will hold media availability following a roundtable discussion with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, focusing on the 2023 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration Levels.
  44. Immigration drives Canada’s economy and fuels its future growth. As we continue to face an aging population and critical labour shortages in key sectors like health care, transportation and home building, newcomers are critical to help spur innovation, grow the economy, and support local businesses and communities.
  45. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will hold a media scrum following his keynote address at the C.D. Howe Institute on the 2023 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration Levels.
  46. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will hold a media scrum to address the 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan and Annual Report, outlining yearly targets for permanent immigration, with a focus on three classes: economic immigration, family reunification and humanitarian commitments.
  47. Canada is a top choice for people looking for a new place to work, study and build their lives with their families. Newcomers and visitors fuel our economy and add vibrancy to our communities. That is why an effective, innovative, and resilient immigration system is critical to position Canada for success, and to provide a transparent and fair experience for newcomers.
  48. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will unveil the Strategic Immigration Review report and the plan to improve Canada’s immigration system.
  49. The Government of Canada has a longstanding and proud tradition of welcoming the world’s most vulnerable people.
  50. Canada is a top destination of choice for international students, thanks to our high-quality educational institutions; our welcoming, diverse society; and the opportunities to work or immigrate permanently after graduation. While international students have contributed to life on campuses across the country, they have also experienced some serious challenges navigating Canada’s International Student Program.