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Monday 31 December 2012

How Canadian are you, eh?


Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) challenges you to test your knowledge of Canada with a fun quiz on its multiculturalism.gc.ca/canadian2 website.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police musical rideYou can test your knowledge of Canada by accessing the app within Facebook or downloading the quiz for free onto your smartphone (iPhone, BlackBerry, Android) through designated online stores, such as the Apple App Store, BlackBerry App World or the Android Market.
Each time you take the quiz, 20 random questions are pulled from a collection of more than 150 Canadian trivia questions, so you can play more than once. Take the quiz, share your results, and challenge friends and family to beat your score! When you play the “How Canadian are you, eh?” app on Facebook and Twitter, the game will track your results and let you publish them instantly and see which questions you answered correctly and which you didn’t.
This game is part of CIC’s Teacher and Youth Web Corner “A Fun Path to Learning.” The content comes from the popular new citizenship test study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, and the educational tool uses games and activities to teach students about Canada’s history and political institutions.

Test your knowledge with some of these questions

  1. Which structure made by the Inuit was traditionally used to indicate directions for travellers, warn of danger, mark a place of respect, or act as a helper in hunting caribou?
    • Inukshuk
    • Totem pole
    • Igloo
    • Mukluk
  2. Famous Canadian Roberta Bondar is known for achieving which of the following goals in 1992?
    • She was the first female prime minister
    • She was the first Canadian woman to play in the NHL
    • She was the first Canadian woman to travel into outer space
    • She won a Governor General’s Award
  3. Which biennial sports event that began in 1970 features such sports as snowshoeing and dog sledding, as well as athletes from northern communities like the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut, Alaska, Greenland and several northern Russian provinces?
    • Northern winter Olympics
    • Arctic Cup
    • Arctic Winter Games
    • Northern games
  4. Which of the following is a constitutional responsibility of the governor general of Canada?
    • To head the Canadian military
    • To ensure that Canada always has a prime minister and a government in place that has the confidence of Parliament
    • To provide leadership and direction to the government with the support of a cabinet
    • To verify all changes to the Canadian Constitution Act
  5. What is Canada’s motto?
    • A mari usque ad mare: From sea to sea
    • Fortis et liber: Strong and free
    • Splendor sine occasu: Splendour without diminishment
    • Quaerite prime regnum dei: Seek ye first the kingdom of God

Answers

  1. Inukshuk
  2. She was the first Canadian woman to travel into outer space
  3. Arctic Winter Games
  4. To ensure that Canada always has a prime minister and a government in place that has the confidence of Parliament
  5. A mari usque ad mare: From sea to sea

Hiring temporary foreign workers


Short-term labour shortages are a common occurrence in many sectors of Canada’s economy. They can affect workplaces that need employees with highly specialized skills, seasonal businesses such as tourism and agriculture, or entire regions during periods of rapid economic expansion, like the pre-Olympics construction boom in British Columbia or the development of the oil and gas sector in Alberta.
Health care workerWhen employers look for workers, their first task is to find and hire Canadians or permanent residents for those positions. If they are unsuccessful at finding available workers in Canada to do the job, the Government of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) can help them manage their short-term labour needs.
The TFWP is jointly managed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). It gives employers from all types of businesses the opportunity to recruit foreign workers with the skills they need to address temporary shortages when they experience them.
Employers will usually need to get authorization from HRSDC first before they can hire a temporary foreign worker (TFW). This is known as a positive “Labour Market Opinion” (LMO). A positive LMO will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker can do the job.
In most cases, TFWs need a permit to work in Canada and, depending on their country of residence, they may also need to obtain a temporary resident visa to enter Canada.
While in Canada, TFWs have the same rights as any other employee — for example, their pay must be consistent with the prevailing wages paid to Canadians in the same occupation in the same region, and working conditions for the occupation must meet the standards of the province in which they are employed.

Saturday 29 December 2012

Canadian Experience Class

Recent graduate
If you have work experience in Canada, either as a temporary foreign worker or through work permit options available to graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions, you could qualify for permanent resident status in Canada.
There is an immigration category designed for people in these circumstances.
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) recognizes that you may already have the knowledge, skills and experience you need to succeed in Canada. The CEC allows temporary foreign workers and foreign students who meet certain requirements to apply to stay in Canada permanently. The CECis a unique program as your experience in Canada is a key selection factor when you apply for permanent residence.
To apply for permanent resident status through the CEC, individuals must be temporary foreign workers with at least two years of eligible work experience in Canada or, alternatively, must have graduated from an eligible post-secondary program in Canada with at least one year of eligible work experience after graduation.
In addition, they must also be able to communicate in one of Canada’s two official languages, although the required level of ability in English or French will vary depending on the type of work. For example, the language requirements for managerial and professional occupations are higher than the requirements for applicants who have been working in a technical occupation or in a skilled trade. More information about specific language requirements can be found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.

Proposed Changes Would Strengthen Canada's International Student Program


Ottawa, December 28, 2012 — New measures to prevent fraud in the International Student Program (ISP) were proposed today by Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.
“Attracting the best and brightest young minds from around the world is key to the continued success of Canada’s economy and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Kenney. “But there are too many stories of international students who pay a lot of money and leave their families back home to study in Canada, only to find out they have been misled. These changes will help us better protect international students and the reputation of Canada’s post-secondary education system by making sure that international students are coming to quality institutions that comply with basic standards of accountability.”
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is proposing regulatory changes to limit study permits to students attending institutions designated by provinces and territories.  The proposed changes would address concerns that some institutions are providing poor-quality programs or facilitating, knowingly or not, the entry of foreign nationals to Canada for purposes other than study.
Under the proposed amendments, CIC would work with provinces and territories – which are constitutionally responsible for education – to develop a framework to designate educational institutions that will be permitted to host international students.  If a school is not designated, it would be able to continue offering programs of six months or less to foreign nationals in Canada on regular visitor visas. Visitors who wish to enroll in short-term courses do not currently require a study permit, and this would continue to be the case.
Eligible international students attending designated institutions would also be able to work part-time off-campus, without having to apply for a separate work permit. This new flexibility would contribute to Canada’s appeal in attracting the best and brightest students from around the globe.
Furthermore, to help eliminate abuse of student visas, changes are being made to ensure that the primary intent of an international student in Canada is to study. Currently, foreign nationals are able to apply to any Canadian school or business offering training in Canada and need only demonstrate an intent to study – there is currently no requirement for them to actually pursue studies once in Canada and no way of tracking whether they do. These changes would provide CIC the authority to request evidence from study permit holders to verify their compliance with study permit conditions. International students would be removed from Canada if they fail to meet new requirements.
The proposed changes respond to findings from a 2011 evaluation of the International Student Program, which concluded that gaps in the program leave it open to abuse and fraud.  Similar reforms have already been implemented by Canada’s key competitor countries for international students. These changes will strengthen Canada's position as a leader in international education.
“By improving the International Student Program, we are strengthening Canada’s reputation as a destination of choice for international students,” said Minister Kenney. “In addition to the economic impact, international student graduates are a great source of potential permanent immigrants. For those who choose to stay in Canada, their Canadian education and their language skills are important factors for success.”
“International students are vital to the global experience offered on university campuses across Canada,” said Paul Davidson, president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). “They enrich our institutions with their cultures, languages and unique perspectives and have a positive economic impact on communities coast to coast. We support efforts to strengthen Canada’s reputation as a destination of choice for students around the world.”
“The Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) and CIC collaborate to maintain the integrity of Canada as a destination of choice for international students,” said James Knight, President and CEO of the ACCC“Canada’s 140 public colleges and institutes are renowned for the quality of their programs and services for international students. We welcome measures to preserve the excellence of the Canadian brand.”
As part of the consultative process, the proposed changes were posted today in the Canada Gazette for a 45-day public comment period.

Thursday 27 December 2012

New Federal Skilled Trades Immigration Program Receives Widespread Praise


Michael Atkinson, president of the Canadian Construction Association:
“The Canadian Construction Association is especially pleased to hear today’s announcement that the new federal Skilled Trades Program to be launched on January 2nd, 2013.  The introduction of a dedicated and streamlined program for skilled trades addresses many of the shortcomings in the current federal Skilled Worker Program.  The new program ensures greater consideration is given to the needs of the industry when processing eligible immigrant applications. 
The current federal Skilled Worker Program has not been trades friendly … and our industry faces some labour market challenges going forward. There is an international economic survey that forecasts that Canada will have the fifth largest construction market in the world by 2020, next only to the US, China, India and Japan.  The Construction Sector Council says that we’re going to need some 320,000 new workers by 2020 just to replace those that will be retiring in the intervening period and to keep pace with the high demand our industry currently is seeing … Of the 320,000 new workers that we’ll need by 2020, the Construction Council says about half of those are going to have to come from foreign trained workers.  Yes, we would like to be able to meet all of our labour demands with our domestic workforce, but it’s just not going to be possible and immigration is going to be one of the tools, one of the ways that we can meet that. 
We look forward to continuing to work with Minister Kenney and the Government of Canada in building a fast, flexible and efficient immigration system that supports the Canadian economy and creates Canada’s competitive workforce of the future.”
(Transcript from Federal Skilled Trades Program announcement – December 10, 2012)
Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce:
“Canada will be better positioned to fill the demand for skilled tradespersons thanks to the introduction of a new immigration stream.  This is welcome news for employers, particularly in Western Canada, who are struggling to fill positions with enough Canadian-born trades professionals. During our consultations this year, we heard that most employers would prefer permanent residents for their immigrant skilled tradespersons.
“We applaud Minister Kenney and the government for making changes to our immigration policy and programs that support economic growth by focusing on our skilled labour needs.  The new stream for skilled trades will have specific criteria, providing a dedicated path for skilled tradespersons with the rights skills and experience to apply for permanent residency in Canada.”
(News Release – December 11, 2012)
Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB):
“With the growing demand for skilled workers across Canada, CFIB has pushed to make the federal immigration system work for small business owners. Starting January 2nd, 2013, Minister Kenney announced that a new Federal Skilled Trade Stream will begin accepting applications.  The new system will better address the need for in-demand skilled workers. CFIB is pleased that the federal government is reforming the system to ensure there is a faster and more flexible way to access workers.” 
(News Release – December 11, 2012)
Terrance Oakey, President of Merit Canada:
“These changes are long overdue.  The immigration system must respond better to the needs of employers to ensure those immigrating to Canada have the skills required to obtain long-term stable employment.  These changes are a positive step forward that will allow employers to address the massive skilled workers shortage facing our industry.” 
(News Release – December 11, 2012)
Bill Stewart, vice-president, Merit Contractors Association in Alberta:
“Today’s announcement is good news for the construction industry because the need for workers with trade skills will continue to grow as Alberta’s economy grows.”
(Journal of Commerce – December 17, 2012)
Dan Tadic, executive director of the Canadian Welding Association (CWA):
“For a long period of time, many of the federal skilled trade immigration initiatives have been consumed with red tape, did not successfully address the demand for skilled labour, and created barriers that caused the ongoing shortage in the country’s welding industry. This initiative, however, seems to limit the barriers and is a step in the right direction that will assist with the growing demand for welders from coast to coast.”
(News release – December 18, 2012)
Craig Martin, vice president of the Office of Public Safety for the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB):
“A program like this is a proactive step forward because it will further allow more CWB qualified welders to enter the country, provide exceptional craftsmanship and fill the ongoing shortage.”
(News release – December 18, 2012)
David Lindsay, President and CEO of Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC):
“This is excellent news for our sector considering the shortage of qualified labour in many parts of Canada that is expected to only get worse. The changes announced today may help many of our member companies fill critical job openings so that their mills can operate at an optimum level and contribute to further job creation and economic growth for Canada. Right now we are competing with other industries, especially in the resource sector, to fill essential positions.  We need to work together with other industries and governments on a comprehensive national strategy to address the acute labour and skills shortage. The dedicated program announced today is one step in that direction.”
(News Release – December 10, 2012)
Brian Freemark, Chairman of the Alberta Construction Association:
“The Alberta Construction Association is very pleased with the federal government’s announcement of a new program to enhance immigration of skilled trades.  The Association has been very encouraged with changes to federal immigration programs over the past year to better address labour market needs of the Alberta economy.
“While Alberta employers invest millions of dollars annually in scholarships, tuition reimbursement, and support to technical institutes and colleges, there simply aren’t enough Canadian graduates to fill the need for growth and to replace retiring tradespeople. In fact, skilled foreign trades help ensure uninterrupted employment for Canadian tradespeople by filling shortages.
“The Alberta Construction Association has been recommending an immigration program specifically to increase immigration of skilled trades, and this new program looks very promising.”
(News Release – December 10, 2012)
Jeanette Sutherland, Manager of Workforce and Productivity, Calgary Economic Development:
“Pipefitters, welders, a lot of those skilled trades positions that are significantly in demand. This [new program] is really going to add to our benefit.”
(CBC Radio – December 10, 2012)
R. Reis Pagtakhan, Immigration Lawyer:
“These changes are long overdue and provide Manitoba an opportunity to focus its immigration program to fill other gaps in the workforce. Under past immigration programs, skilled tradespeople had a more difficult time immigrating to Canada than professionals. When workplace shortages began to emerge in skilled trades, there was no easy way for them to immigrate to Canada.  By setting up a system that will also deal with a tradesperson’s foreign-obtained credentials before arrival, Canada should be able to ensure that they can make the maximum contribution to our society.”
(Winnipeg Free Press commentary – December 20, 2012)
Richard Kurland, Immigration Lawyer:
“The feds just stepped up to the plate ...We’re selecting smarter. We’re selecting quicker. And this is just the first step in a series of changes that are going to be rolled out in 2013 ...”
(CKNW Radio – December 11, 2012)
Avvy Go, Director Metro Toronto Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic:
“I think it’s definitely a small though positive step in the right direction because over the last decade we have made it harder and harder for people to come in through the skilled workers program.”
(CBC News Network – December 10, 2012)
Stephen Khan, Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education Minister:
"It’s definitely a move in the right direction for Alberta’s interests."
(Calgary Herald – December 11, 2012)
Robert Vineberg, research fellow at the Canada West Foundation:
“Immigration Minister Jason Kenney’s announcement that a new stream for skilled tradespersons will be introduced on Jan. 1 is a welcome and long overdue enhancement to Canada’s immigration system.
“Over the years, the point system has been modified to place more emphasis on university education and less on apprenticeship and on-the-job experience. As a result, by the 1990s, it had become almost impossible for apprenticed trades to qualify for immigration as a federal skilled worker under the point system.
“The new skilled trades stream will make the federal program relevant and accessible, once again, for skilled tradespersons. It will establish criteria appropriate to the education and experience required for skilled trades and set language requirements at a reasonable level. A carpenter need not be able to speak English or French at the same level as a university professor, so long as he or she can communicate effectively with an employer or customer.
“The skilled trades stream will start small with intake limited to 3,000 applications in the first year, but given the need for skilled trades in Canada, we can look to this stream becoming a major part of Canada’s immigration program in years to come.” 
(Calgary Herald – December 12, 2012)
Sarah Watts Reinhardt, Executive Director Canadian Apprenticeship Forum:
“Across the country when we look at shortages in trades really across the country, across trades, across different sectors there is an estimate that we are about 1 million people short by 2020. So when we start looking at trying to fill that gap, especially in the resource extraction sectors where there’s a huge need for skilled trades and it’s so fundamental to our economy … that really becomes a really serious shortage.  I think [the new Federal Skilled Worker Program] is a necessary course of action.”
(CBC Radio – December 10, 2012)
Paula Simons, Edmonton Journal:
“Any new program that channels highly skilled, employable new immigrants here quickly, and gives them and their families permanent residency, and a leg-up on citizenship, is a good thing.   We shouldn’t apologize for creating an immigration system that actively recruits those our economy needs most now, those best-equipped to thrive here, and lets them apply to be future citizens - even if that means letting them jump the queue.”
(Edmonton Journal – December 11, 2012)

Tuesday 25 December 2012

Minister Kenney issues statement to celebrate Christmas


Ottawa, December 24, 2012 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement in celebration of Christmas:
“Tomorrow, Canadians will celebrate Christmas, one of the most important Christian holidays of the year.
“Following the spiritual preparation and reflection of Advent, and nine months after the Incarnation, this holiday commemorates the long-awaited birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the city of David.
“Every year, Christmas unites families, friends, communities and cultures in hope and prayer for peace on earth, and in celebration of the birth of a child whom the prophet Isaiah called the ‘Prince of Peace.’
“Canadians of many backgrounds will celebrate Christmas with religious services, family gatherings, music and singing, gifts and alms-giving, and many other diverse customs.
“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism, I extend my warm wishes to you and your family for a merry and blessed Christmas, and for a happy and prosperous New Year.”

Sunday 23 December 2012

Over 2 Million Visits to the Come to Canada Wizard


Newcomers can determine if they are eligible to immigrate to Canada with the flick of a wand (or computer mouse)

Ottawa, December 21, 2012 — The Come to Canada Wizard, which helps people determine if they are eligible to live, work or study in Canada, has now been visited by well over 2 million users since its launch in August 2011.
“We want the world’s best and brightest to come to Canada and to help grow our economy,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. “The award-winning Wizard is one way that we are creating a more responsive, user-friendly and efficient immigration process that benefits applicants, immigrants and Canadians alike. The Wizard saves prospective immigrants to Canada time and money by helping them determine if they are able to immigrate to Canada, and the most appropriate immigration program for them.”
The Come to Canada Wizard is interactive. It presents users with a series of questions to determine which federal immigration option best suits their specific circumstances. It then leads users through the application steps and provides instructions and forms.
There are now more than 5,000 visits to the Come to Canada Wizard every day. Close to 93 percent of users who have offered feedback say that the Wizard is easy to use and close to 90 percent say they would recommend it to someone they know.
The Wizard received a prominent technology award in November 2012 for Excellence in Public Service Delivery.
Recent improvements to the Citizenship and Immigration website include an interactive tool for newcomers to find services to help them adjust to life in Canada, an interactive map that allows users to find organizations in their area, and improvements to search capabilities that make it easier to find information on the website.

Saturday 22 December 2012

Minister Kenney announces Citizenship Judge appointments


Ottawa, December 21, 2012 — Marie Senécal-Tremblay has been appointed as a Citizenship Judge in Montréal, and Normand Vachon has been appointed as a Citizenship Judge in Windsor, announced Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney today.
Ms. Senécal-Tremblay was senior legal counsel with Canadian Pacific, a district director and senior pensions advocate with Veterans Affairs Canada, a mediator with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and vice-chair of the Canadian Artists and Producers Professional Relations Tribunal. Since 2007, Ms. Senécal-Tremblay has been executive director of Héritage Montréal, a non-profit foundation that promotes the protection of the architectural heritage of Greater Montréal. She serves on the boards of the Canadian Federation of Friends of Museums, the Stewart Museum and the Drummond Foundation.
Mr. Vachon served as a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer for nearly 25 years in Rouyn-Noranda, Que., Montréal and Roberval, Que., and Sudbury, Ont., as well as with the Canadian Forces Military Police in Kingston, Ont. and St-Hubert, Que. His police work has dealt with drug trafficking, fraud, organized crime and proceeds of crime investigations. Throughout his career, Mr. Vachon has volunteered in his community by organizing numerous Musical Ride charity events and coaching children’s hockey and baseball teams.
Mr. Vachon’s three-year, part-time term began December 13, 2012. Ms. Senécal-Tremblay’s three-year, full-time term begins April 2, 2013.
Citizenship judges are responsible for making decisions on citizenship applications, presiding over citizenship ceremonies and administering the oath of citizenship to new citizens.

Minister Kenney Offers Christmas Greetings to Santa Claus


Ottawa, December 21, 2012 — During a week when an empty Parliament gave way to mirth-making and gift-wrapping, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney took the opportunity to wish Santa Claus all the best in his Christmas Eve duties.
“We are honoured that Santa begins his annual journey in Canada,” Minister Kenney stated. “And, as a Canadian citizen living in Canada’s North, he may re-enter the country freely at the end of his international trip.
“Personnel at Nunavut’s Alert Airport will run the control tower lights throughout Christmas to guide Jolly Saint Nick southward on his departure and northward on his return,” Minister Kenney said.
Situated at the northern tip of Ellesmere Island, 817 kilometres from the North Pole, Alert is the first landmark for Santa and his reindeer as they make their way to the homes of millions of children. A well-known traditionalist, Santa has not yet adopted GPS technology, preferring the instincts of his reindeer, with a helping hand from the Alert Airport workers.
“The Government continues to invest in measures that exercise Canada’s sovereignty and create more economic opportunities in the North,” said Minister Kenney. “We want to ensure that Santa, and all Canadians, benefit from the potential of the North, making it a prosperous and secure region within a strong and sovereign Canada.”

Friday 21 December 2012

News Release — Cutting Red Tape for Skilled Immigrants


Minister Kenney introduces New Bridging Open Work Permit

Ottawa, December 20, 2012 — The new Bridging Open Work Permit enables certain economic class applicants to maintain their status and continue working in Canada while they wait for a final decision on their permanent residence application, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney announced.
“We are making our immigration system faster and more flexible, and cutting red tape for the skilled immigrants Canada’s economy needs to grow and thrive,” said Minister Jason Kenney.  “The new open work permit provides those who are transitioning to permanent residency with better opportunities to integrate into Canada’s labour market to the benefit of our economy and all Canadians.”
The bridging work permit is available immediately and is valid for one year from the date of issuance.   Qualifying foreign nationals currently in Canada , who have submitted an application for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) may be considered for an open work permit if their current work permit is about to expire.
Previously, applicants who were awaiting a decision on their permanent residence application could find their temporary work permits expiring before their application was processed. As a result, these individuals would no longer have been authorized to work in Canada unless their employer applied for and received a Labour Market Opinion from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and the applicant then applied for an extension of status.
Open work permits are already available for other in-Canada immigration streams, such as live-in caregivers, spouses or common-law partners.  This improvement will result in consistent treatment for other applicants already in Canada.
“We are preventing unnecessary disruption in the lives of the newcomers who are already contributing and successfully integrating into the Canadian economy,” said Minister Kenney. “Improvements to our immigration system like this will help Canada attract the best and brightest from around the world – the skilled immigrants we need to fill our skilled labour shortages.”

Wednesday 19 December 2012

News Release — An Immigration System that Works for Canada


New Federal Skilled Worker Program to accept applications beginning May 4, 2013

Ottawa, December 19, 2012 — The new selection system for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) will take effect on May 4, 2013 at which time the program will re-open for applications, Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.
“The government’s number one priority remains jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Kenney. “The new Federal Skilled Worker Program criteria will ensure Canada is selecting the skilled immigrants our economy needs, who are the most likely to succeed and fully realize their potential in Canada.”
The improvements to the FSWP points grid are based on a large body of research which has consistently shown that language proficiency and youth are two of the most important factors in the economic success of immigrants.
The final changes to the FSWP selection criteria include:
  • Minimum official language thresholds and increased points for official language proficiency, making language the most important factor in the selection process;
  • Increased emphasis on younger immigrants, who are more likely to acquire valuable Canadian experience, are better positioned to adapt to changing labour market conditions, and who will spend a greater number of years contributing to Canada’s economy;
  • Introduction of the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), so that education points awarded reflect the foreign credential’s true value in Canada;
  • Changes to the arranged employment process, allowing employers to hire applicants quickly, if there is a demonstrated need in the Canadian labour market; and
  • Additional adaptability points for spousal language ability and Canadian work experience.
“For too long, too many immigrants to Canada have experienced underemployement and unemployment, and this has been detrimental to these newcomers and to the Canadian economy,” said Minister Kenney. “Our transformational changes to the FSWP will help ensure that skilled newcomers are able to contribute their skills fully to the economy as soon as possible. This is good for newcomers, good for the economy, and good for all Canadians.”
There are two new steps to the new selection system. First, applicants will have to demonstrate that they meet the minimum language threshold, which is level 7 of the Canadian Language Benchmark assessment system. Applicants will be able to get a language assessment from existing agencies designated by the Minister and listed on the CIC website.
Second, applicants will have their education credentials assessed prior to arriving in Canada. A list of assessment organizations designated by the Minister will be made available early in the New Year. The assessment of foreign educational credentials will provide prospective newcomers with a more realistic understanding of how their credentials compare to education standards in Canada. It will also give them the opportunity to upgrade their education prior to coming to Canada if they choose.
It is important to note that these changes will not apply to people who have applied to the FSWP prior to May 4, 2013 with a qualifying arranged job offer or under the Ph.D. stream.
As recently announced, due to the actions taken over the past months, new applications under the FSWP will be processed in a few months, rather than a few years. In order to ensure fast processing times and to avoid backlogs, the new FSWP will accept a fixed number of applications each year.
In the medium term, the Government is also moving forward to develop and implement an Expression of Interest (EOI) model, which will provide employers with access to a pool of skilled workers.

Tuesday 18 December 2012

Notice of new “Bridging” Open Work Permits for Certain Federal Economic Class Applicants



December 17, 2012 – CIC will be making changes to enable certain economic class applicants to maintain their status and continue working in Canada while they await a final decision on their permanent residence application.
The new open work permit will provide qualifying permanent resident applicants, whose permits are due to expire, with a means to keep working and more flexibility to better integrate into the Canadian labour market.
Previously, applicants who were awaiting a decision on their permanent residence application might have their temporary work permits expire during the processing of their application. As a result, these persons would no longer be authorized to work in Canada unless their employer applied for and received a Labour Market Opinion from Human Resources and Skills Development and the applicant then applied for an extension of their status.
Qualifying foreign nationals currently in Canada who have submitted an application for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)Canadian Experience Class (CEC)Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) may be considered for an open work permit if their current work permit will soon expire.
To be eligible for a bridging open work permit, the applicants must:
  • Currently be in Canada;
  • Have valid status on a work permit that is due to expire within 4 months;
  • Have received confirmation from CIC that their permanent resident application is eligible under one of the four Economic Classes (FSWPCECPNP and FSTP), and;
  • Have made an application for an open work permit.

Monday 17 December 2012

News Release — The Government of Canada Invests Record Funding for Settlement Services for Newcomers to Alberta


The Government of Canada will invest a record $79.5 million in settlement services for immigrants to Alberta for the 2013–2014 fiscal year, Michelle Rempel, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre-North, announced today.
“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring newcomers to Canada integrate and contribute fully to the Canadian economy and their community as soon as possible,” said MPRempel, speaking on behalf of Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. “We have made important changes to restore fairness in settlement funding by moving to a funding model based on the percentage of immigrants each province or territory receives. This model ensures a similar standard of settlement funding is available for all immigrants, regardless of where they choose to settle in Canada.”
The allocation for settlement services in Alberta will be $79.5 million for the 2013–14 fiscal year, an increase of $4.5 million from this current fiscal year. Since 2006, settlement funding to Alberta has increased fivefold. Also since 2006, the Government of Canada has tripled settlement funding outside of Quebec, increasing funding from $200 million per year to approximately $600 million.
A national settlement funding formula is used by the Government of Canada to allocate funding for settlement services in all provinces and territories outside of Quebec. The formula is based on the provinces and territories share of immigrant intake and gives additional weight for refugees to account for their unique settlement needs. The Canada-Quebec Accord provides the Government of Quebec with an annual grant, the amount of which is calculated using a formula set out in the Accord.
“More newcomers are choosing to settle in Alberta, in part because of the federal government’s increase in provincial nominee spaces for the province,” added MP Rempel. “Our improvements ensure that newcomers to Alberta receive their fair share of settlement funding.”
The priority for the 2013–14 settlement services funding is to focus on delivering services directly to immigrants and away from supporting expenses such as administration, travel, or capital costs for organizations.

Sunday 16 December 2012

News Release — Making Canada’s Asylum System Faster and Fairer


List of Designated Countries of Origin Announced

Ottawa, December 14, 2012 – The Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism announced today the initial list of countries whose citizens will have their asylum claims expedited for processing because they do not normally produce refugees.
“Designating countries is an important step towards a faster and fairer asylum system,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. “It is remarkable that the European Union – with its democratic tradition of freedom, respect for human rights, and an independent judiciary – has been the top source region for asylum claims made in Canada. What’s more, virtually all EU claimants either withdraw or abandon their own claims or are rejected by the independent Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.”
In 2011, of the total number of asylum claims filed by European Union (EU) nationals around the world, over 80% of were filed in Canada, even though EU nationals have mobility rights within the 27 EU member states. The majority of EU claimants do not appear for their Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) hearing as they withdraw or abandon their own claims. Of all EU claims referred to the IRB, an independent tribunal, 91% were rejected last year.
As part of the improvements to Canada’s asylum system, the Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act included the authority to designate countries of origin (DCOs) – countries that respect human rights, offer state protection, and based on the historical data from the IRB, do not normally produce refugees.
The initial list of designations covers 27 countries, 25 of which are in the European Union:
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Slovak Republic
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
Additional countries will be designated in the months following the implementation of the new system, which comes into force tomorrow, December 15, 2012.
All eligible asylum claimants from a DCO will continue to receive a full and fair oral hearing on the individual merits of their claim in front of the independent, quasi-judicial IRB. The new system does not change in any respect the nature of these first instance hearings, which are conducted in a manner consistent with principles of due process and natural justice, and meet the requirements of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as stipulated by the Supreme Court of Canada in its 1985 decision R v. Singh.
Claimants from DCOs will have their asylum claim heard by the IRB within 30-45 days, depending on whether they make their claim at a port of entry or inland. In comparison, all other claimants will have a hearing within 60 days, compared to the current waiting period of 600 days. This means that all claimants will have their cases heard much faster.
Just as they do now, failed DCOs claimants will continue to have the option to seek appeal to the Federal Court to review a negative decision. However, they will not have access to the new Refugee Appeal Division at the IRB.
There will be no automatic stay of removal for DCO claimants should they ask the Federal Court to review a negative decision, which means that they could be removed from Canada while their application for review before the Federal Court is pending. In these circumstances, individuals can ask the Federal Court to stay their removal.
“In order for Canadians to continue to strongly support Canada’s tradition of providing protection to victims of persecution, they must have faith in the integrity of our asylum system,” said Minister Kenney. “With these improvements, we are ensuring that genuine refugees fleeing persecution will receive protection more quickly, while, at the same time, failed asylum claimants from generally safe countries will be removed much faster.”
To be considered for designation, a country must meet objective criteria related to the number of finalized asylum claims Canada receives from that country. For countries with 30 or more claims in any consecutive 12-month period during the three years preceding designation, quantitative criteria are used. At least 60% of claimants from the country must have withdrawn and abandoned their own claims, or least 75% of claims from a country have been withdrawn, abandoned, and rejected by the IRB.
In the case of countries with low numbers of asylum claims (i.e., no consecutive 12-month period with 30 or more finalized claims during the three years prior to designation), objective qualitative criteria are used, including the existence of an independent judicial system, recognition of basic democratic rights and freedoms and the existence of civil society organizations.
If a country meets these triggers, a thorough review is undertaken.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres, recognised that “there are indeed Safe Countries of Origin and there are indeed countries in which there is a presumption that refugee claims will probably be not as strong as in other countries.” And he has recognised the legitimacy of providing expedited processing for asylum claimants from those generally safe countries.
Many developed democracies use a similar authority to accelerate asylum procedures for the nationals of countries not normally known to produce refugees. These states include the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Belgium and Finland, among others. Some European Union (EU) states also have accelerated procedures for the nationals of other EU member states.
In fact, within the 27 member states of the EU, asylum claims from other EU nationals are considered to be manifestly unfounded. In many of these countries, claims by other EU nationals are considered inadmissible or are subjected to expedited processing. Among other things, this reflects that fact that EU citizens have mobility rights in all neighbouring EU countries.
The Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act is expected to save provinces and territories $1.6 billion over five years in social assistance and education costs.
“Canada will continue to have the most fair and generous asylum system in the world,” said Minister Kenney. “We welcome 1 in 10 of the world’s resettled refugees, more than almost any other country in the world, and we are increasing that number by 20 percent.”
Canada’s new asylum system is the result of two laws passed by Parliament — the Balanced Refugee Reform Act (June 2010) and the Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act (June 2012) – which amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

News Release — The Government of Canada Invests Record Funding for Settlement Services for Newcomers to Yukon


Ottawa, December 13, 2012 —The Government of Canada will invest a record $1 million in settlement services for immigrants to Yukon for the 2013–2014 fiscal year, Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon, announced today.
“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring newcomers to Canada integrate and contribute fully to the Canadian economy and their community as soon as possible,” said MP Leef, speaking on behalf of Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. “We have made important changes to restore fairness in settlement funding by moving to a funding model based on the percentage of immigrants that each province or territory receives. This model ensures a similar standard of settlement funding is available for all immigrants, regardless of where they choose to settle in Canada.”
The allocation for settlement services in Yukon will be $1 million for the 2013–14 fiscal year, an increase of $80,000 from this current fiscal year. Since 2006, settlement funding to Yukon has almost quadrupled. Also since 2006, the Government of Canada has tripled settlement funding outside of Quebec, increasing funding from $200 million per year to approximately $600 million.
A national settlement funding formula is used by the Government of Canada to allocate funding for settlement services in all provinces and territories outside of Quebec. The formula is based on the provinces and territories share of immigrant intake and gives additional weight for refugees to account for their unique settlement needs. The Canada-Quebec Accord provides the Government of Quebec with an annual grant, the amount of which is calculated using a formula set out in the Accord. 
“More newcomers are choosing to settle in Yukon, in part because of the federal government’s increase in provincial nominee spaces for the territory,” added MP Leef.  “Our improvements ensure that newcomers to Yukon receive their fair share of settlement funding.”
The priority for the 2013–14 settlement services funding is to focus on delivering services directly to immigrants and away from supporting expenses such as administration, travel, or capital costs for organizations.

News Release — The Government of Canada Invests Record Funding for Settlement Services for Newcomers to Yukon


Ottawa, December 13, 2012 —The Government of Canada will invest a record $1 million in settlement services for immigrants to Yukon for the 2013–2014 fiscal year, Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon, announced today.
“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring newcomers to Canada integrate and contribute fully to the Canadian economy and their community as soon as possible,” said MP Leef, speaking on behalf of Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. “We have made important changes to restore fairness in settlement funding by moving to a funding model based on the percentage of immigrants that each province or territory receives. This model ensures a similar standard of settlement funding is available for all immigrants, regardless of where they choose to settle in Canada.”
The allocation for settlement services in Yukon will be $1 million for the 2013–14 fiscal year, an increase of $80,000 from this current fiscal year. Since 2006, settlement funding to Yukon has almost quadrupled. Also since 2006, the Government of Canada has tripled settlement funding outside of Quebec, increasing funding from $200 million per year to approximately $600 million.
A national settlement funding formula is used by the Government of Canada to allocate funding for settlement services in all provinces and territories outside of Quebec. The formula is based on the provinces and territories share of immigrant intake and gives additional weight for refugees to account for their unique settlement needs. The Canada-Quebec Accord provides the Government of Quebec with an annual grant, the amount of which is calculated using a formula set out in the Accord. 
“More newcomers are choosing to settle in Yukon, in part because of the federal government’s increase in provincial nominee spaces for the territory,” added MP Leef.  “Our improvements ensure that newcomers to Yukon receive their fair share of settlement funding.”
The priority for the 2013–14 settlement services funding is to focus on delivering services directly to immigrants and away from supporting expenses such as administration, travel, or capital costs for organizations.

News Release — Strengthening Border Security


Ottawa, December 13, 2012 — In another step toward improving border security, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney and United States Ambassador to Canada David Jacobson signed today the Immigration Information Sharing Treaty, a key part of the Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness Action Plan.  
“Today’s important agreement builds on our countries’ mutual efforts to protect our common borders and the surrounding perimeter, through improved screening of immigrants and visitors, before they enter Canada and the United States,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. “Enhanced information sharing of foreign nationals will protect the safety and security of Canadians by helping us prevent terrorists, violent criminals, and others, who pose a risk, from entering Canada or the United States in the first place.”
“This important agreement is the culmination of ten years of effort to advance the security of the United States and Canada, and to ensure the integrity of our immigration and visa systems. It reflects the commitment of President Obama and Prime Minister Harper to the Beyond the Border process, which will enhance North American security while facilitating the efficient movement of safe goods and well-intentioned travellers,” said David Jacobson, United States Ambassador to Canada.
Under the Immigration Information Sharing Treaty, no information will be shared on Canadian or American citizens or permanent residents.
The historic Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness Action Plan was signed in 2011 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama. The Action Plan will accelerate the vital flow of people and goods between both countries, promoting job creation and economic competitiveness, while strengthening the security of both countries.
As part of the Action Plan, Canada and the United States committed to share immigration information to improve border efficiency and security, by establishing and verifying the identities of foreign nationals, and identifying those who are inadmissible at the earliest opportunity.
The adoption of the Treaty enables our two countries to share systematically information from third-country nationals who apply for a visa or a permit to travel to either country. The Treaty also provides an additional tool for regular, systematic information sharing on inland asylum claimants, which already occurs on a case-by-case basis under an existing agreement between Canada and the United States.
Biographic immigration information sharing is set to begin in 2013 and biometric sharing in 2014.
“Increased information sharing on immigration and refugee applicants will support better decision making by both countries in order to confirm identities, and identify risks and inadmissible persons before they reach our borders,” said Minister Kenney. “The requirement to provide biometrics in our temporary resident immigration program will bring Canada in line with many of our international partners. Coupled with enhanced information sharing with the United States, our ability to screen out people who try to abuse our respective immigration programs will be significantly strengthened.”
Any information shared on travellers and asylum seekers will be handled responsibly and, as with other information sharing agreements, exchanged in accordance with relevant Canadian laws including the Privacy Act to ensure individuals’ privacy rights are considered and protected.
Even with increased information sharing, Canada retains its sovereignty in making admissibility decisions. Canadian visa officers and border services officers will continue to consider all information presented before making admissibility decisions in accordance with Canadian immigration law. 
Enhanced screening initiatives, including systematic immigration information sharing and the Electronic Travel Authorization system, were agreed to in the Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness Action Plan to achieve the security and economic competitiveness goals outlined in the Beyond the Border Declaration. The Declaration articulates a shared vision in which both countries work together to address threats at the earliest point possible while facilitating the legitimate movement of people, goods and services across our shared border.