Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched their initiative “An Immigration System for Canada’s Future”.

The initiative provides Canadians and other stakeholders with the opportunity to share their ideas and perspectives on how Canada can build a stronger, more adaptive immigration system.

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The IRCC website explains that in order to support the Canadian economy and strengthen communities, “it is essential to have immigration policies and programs that are modern, responsive to change, and aligned with Canada’s social, economic and cultural needs.” In order to do so, until April 2023, IRCC will be working with people across the country to collaborate on a vision for the future of Canada’s immigration system.

The initiative began in February with an in-person dialogue session in Halifax, which was chaired by Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser.

The IRCC press release contained information that the initiative is expected to involve more in-person dialogue sessions, as well as “thematic workshops and a survey for the public and our clients”.

Today, IRCC made this survey available to the public. The survey invites people to share their thoughts about provide advice for the future of Canadian immigration.

What kinds of questions can I expect in the survey?

The survey begins with inquiring about your initial thoughts on the current immigration system in Canada. In particular, IRCC asks if you think that the Government of Canada is on the right track or wrong track in its management of immigration and your opinion on the number of immigrants coming to Canada.

After responding to these questions, IRCC provides basic information about Canada’s immigration system, including the distinct ways people interact with the Canadian immigration system and the policies and laws that shape this system. The survey continues by asking about the main challenges or gaps that are facing Canada’s current immigration system and provide you with space to discuss your thoughts.

When asking about the characteristics or qualities that describe what you would want Canada’s immigration system to look like, the survey highlights important Canadian immigration trends.

For example, Canada has an aging population. People in Canada are not having as many children, and soon immigration will account for 100% of population growth. In addition, many regions and industries in Canada are facing shortages of workers. Immigration and temporary foreign workers can help to meet future labour market needs.

Further, there are pressures on social programs and lack of affordable housing.

Population growth from immigration can add to these pressures but can also bring in workers to help sectors like construction and healthcare. Other trends discussed include how Canada can respond in a global humanitarian crisis, the fairness and transparency of the immigration system and how federal, provincial, and territorial stakeholders can be involved in selecting and settling newcomers.

In considering these trends in your vision for Canadian immigration, you are asked about the changes that would need to happen to in order to make your vision a reality.

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