Maple News reports that rural and northern Ontario communities are mobilizing to counter population decline and foster stronger local economies by embracing immigration and inclusivity. A collaborative initiative, supported by over 100 organizations and 300 participants, laid the groundwork through two key conferences held in February 2020 in Temiskaming Shores […]
Month: August 2023
Approved But Still Grounded: Canada’s Travel Ban Leaves New Permanent Residents in Limbo
Maple News reports that thousands of newly approved permanent residents remain barred from entering Canada, despite having successfully navigated the country’s rigorous immigration process. These individuals, many of whom were granted Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) documents after March 18, 2020, have passed the required medical, security, and background checks. […]
Quebec Launches Overseas Recruitment Drive to Combat Nursing Shortage
Maple News reports that the province of Quebec is stepping up its international recruitment efforts in response to a growing shortage of nurses and healthcare workers. With local resources stretched thin, the Quebec health network plans to hire over 1,700 nurses and more than 200 orderlies from abroad in the […]
Why Canada’s Smaller Cities Are Becoming Immigration Hotspots
Maple News reports that while Canada’s largest cities—Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary—remain popular destinations for newcomers, small to mid-sized cities are experiencing some of the most rapid growth in immigrant populations. A study conducted by Ryerson University reveals that between 2013 and 2019, immigration to smaller urban centres in Canada […]
Canada’s Labour Market Shows Strong Recovery in February, Unemployment Hits Pandemic Low
Maple News reports that Canada’s job market experienced a noteworthy rebound in February, recouping nearly all the employment losses suffered during the previous two months. Employment rose by 259,000 during the month, a strong recovery following a combined loss of 266,000 jobs in December and January, according to Statistics Canada’s […]
Middle Managers Play Critical Role in Immigrant Workplace Inclusion, New Report Reveals
Maple News reports that middle managers hold the key to creating welcoming, inclusive work environments for immigrants in Canada. A newly released report by the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC), titled ‘Make or Break: How middle managers and executives can build immigrant-inclusive teams’, highlights the pivotal position of middle […]
New Brunswick Stays the Course on Immigration Despite Pandemic Challenges
Maple News reports that New Brunswick remained firmly committed to its immigration goals in 2020, even amid the unprecedented disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to provincial data, New Brunswick issued 2,020 nominations through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in 2020—nearly identical to the 2,022 nominations granted the previous […]
Ontario Overhauls Immigration Intake with New Points-Based System
Maple News reports that Ontario is set to modernize its immigration intake process by introducing a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system for five of its key economic immigration streams. This shift will replace the previous first-come, first-served approach, which was often criticized for being unfair and inefficient. The Ontario […]
Canada-U.S. Border Closure Extended Until April 21 as Experts Outline Reopening Strategy
Maple News reports that travel restrictions on the Canada-U.S. border will remain in place until at least April 21, following an announcement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The extension, which affects all non-essential travel, continues a year-long policy aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 across North America. The Prime […]
Canada Expands Pathways for French-Speaking Immigrants Outside Quebec
Maple News reports that the Canadian government has been actively working to attract more French-speaking immigrants to provinces and territories outside of Quebec, in an effort to preserve and revitalize the country’s linguistic duality. While Quebec remains the primary destination for francophone newcomers—being the only province where French is the […]
Canada Expands Pathways for French-Speaking Immigrants Outside Quebec
Maple News reports that Canada continues to take significant steps to attract French-speaking immigrants to communities outside of Quebec, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining the country’s bilingual identity. While Quebec remains the primary destination for Francophone newcomers—with approximately 80% of its population speaking French as a first language—federal and provincial […]
Canada Tops Global Rankings as Most Desirable Destination for International Talent
Maple News reports that Canada has overtaken the United States as the most attractive country for foreign workers seeking global career opportunities, according to a comprehensive global survey conducted by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and The Network. The study captured the perspectives of 209,000 individuals across 190 countries, offering deep […]
New AI Tool Could Help Immigrants Identify the Best Places to Succeed in Canada
Maple News reports that a pioneering research initiative could soon reshape how newcomers choose where to settle in Canada. A potential new tool, called GeoMatch, is being developed to help immigrants identify which Canadian cities may offer them the greatest chance of professional and economic success. Currently, the vast majority […]
Canada’s Population Growth Slowed to Century-Low in 2020 Amid Pandemic Disruptions
Maple News reports that in 2020, Canada’s population growth rate dropped to its lowest level since 1916—a direct result of increased mortality and a significant decline in immigration due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to recent data from Statistics Canada, the population grew by only 0.4%, marking a historic slowdown […]
MP Urges Ottawa to Act on Approved Permanent Residents Blocked by Travel Restrictions
Maple News reports that Canadian Member of Parliament Christine Normandin has called on the federal government to take urgent action for thousands of foreign nationals who hold approved Confirmations of Permanent Residence (COPRs) but remain unable to enter Canada due to ongoing travel restrictions. In a formal letter addressed to […]
IRCC Updates Processing Timelines Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Delays
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its processing timelines to reflect ongoing delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. IRCC continues to operate at full capacity, but the department acknowledges that backlogs remain across multiple application streams due to pandemic-related disruptions. The department is giving […]