Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is establishing a new advisory body to involve newcomers directly in shaping immigration policy and improving service delivery. This initiative is part of the department’s vision titled “An Immigration System for Canada’s Future,” a comprehensive report resulting from months of national consultations with stakeholders, experts, and immigrants themselves.
The upcoming advisory council will feature individuals with first-hand experience navigating Canada’s immigration system—such as international students, foreign workers, and permanent residents. Their direct input will be used to ensure that Canada’s immigration policies and services reflect real experiences and challenges, rather than just procedural or bureaucratic concerns.
According to IRCC, this move is intended to foster a more welcoming and human-centric system by emphasizing that immigrants are not merely case files, but individuals and families making transformative life decisions. The new advisory group will assist the department in reforming communication strategies and service design based on grounded insights and user experience.
IRCC underscored that a core component of the advisory council’s mandate will be to advise on both policy development and program improvements. By incorporating these lived experiences into the design and execution of immigration initiatives, the government aims to make the process fairer, more responsive, and more effectively aligned with the realities newcomers face.
This is a continuation of IRCC’s growing commitment to public engagement and transparency in immigration management. In previous years, the department has convened consultations with the public, settlement service providers, businesses, and advocacy groups to improve overall system responsiveness.
Although detailed plans—including the selection process and terms of engagement for the advisory board—are yet to be released, IRCC has promised more information in the near future. The move signals a shift in Canada’s immigration planning, placing greater emphasis on inclusivity, empathy, and end-user perspective in government strategies.
This new direction aligns with wider trends in governmental policymaking, which increasingly prioritize human-centered design and stakeholder engagement to ensure better program outcomes and public trust.
Stay tuned with Maple News for updates as Canada rolls out more specifics on how this advisory group will operate and the impact it may have on the broader immigration framework.