On March 14, 2008, the Government of Canada introduced legislative amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to modernize the immigration system, to ensure that families are reunited faster and skilled workers arrive sooner.
One of the challenges facing Canada’s immigration system today is the large number of people waiting in the queue. This is especially a problem in the skilled worker category which makes up most of the backlog.
Under the proposed measures, Citizenship and Immigration Canada would have greater flexibility in processing new applications, especially from skilled workers.
The legislation is intended to provide greater flexibility in addressing a range of labour market needs. It will not apply to refugees and does not affect any objectives related to family reunification.
Ultimately, this will result in reduced wait times and improved service. It will also help manage the growth of the backlog of applications.
Once passed, the new measures will apply to applications received on or after February 27, 2008. Those who applied prior to February 27, 2008, will not be subject to the new measures and will be dealt with fairly under the existing rules.
The new rules would allow CIC to focus on getting the people needed. The new provisions would allow the Department to select among the new applications and choose those that best meet Canada’s labour market needs. Under the current system, which is much less flexible, CIC processes applications from skilled workers in the order in which they are received. The Department will use this flexibility in an open and transparent manner. It will be based on instructions from the Minister, which will be published in the Canada Gazette and reported in the Department’s annual report to Parliament.The Department will maintain its commitment to the broad objectives of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act—supporting Canada’s economy and competitiveness, family reunification and protecting those in need. The legislative amendments are intended to respond to Canada’s labour market needs. Canada remains open to immigration, and anyone can apply to immigrate. The end result of the changes will be reduced wait times and improved service.