WHATSAPPCanada has signed a comprehensive agreement on Ontario immigration with the province that aims to strengthen long-term partnership between both. The agreement was signed on November 24, 2017 by Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and Laura Albanese, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
With the aim to welcome and settle immigrants, boost the economy and address shared humanitarian responsibilities, the Ontario immigration agreement, named Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement (COIA), defines the respective roles, responsibilities, and shared immigration priorities in the selection process, program integrity, attraction of French-speaking immigrants and newcomer and refugee settlement.
COIA will shape the relationship between Canada and Ontario with regard to Ontario immigration for the next five years. Canada plans on welcoming one million new permanent residents by 2020, with Ontario being the top destination.
COIA has already come into effect by including annexes on the specific arrangements on provincial nominees and foreign workers. In the coming months, additional annexes will be introduced that will outline the collaboration between Canada and Ontario with regards to French-speaking immigrants, international students and the role of municipal governments in immigration.
Ontario immigration initiatives
Canada and Ontario have also launched a joint effort to help newcomers meet provincial requirements in their respective professions.
Ontario will contribute $70 million and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will contribute $21 million towards bridge training programs over the next three years.
Canada is already investing around $334 million on settlement services for newcomers in Ontario in 2017-18.
Ontario is investing around $110 million on immigrant supporting programs such as language training, settlement and employment programs in 2017-18.
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