Maple News reports that Canadian provinces are intensifying their push for more autonomy over immigration policy, including the authority to set their own immigration targets and issue work permits independently of the federal government. This rising demand took center stage at the annual Council of the Federation meeting, held in Huntsville, Ontario, on July 24, 2025.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford led the charge, expressing frustration over what he described as federal delays and insufficient collaboration. He stated that Ontario is prepared to begin issuing its own work permits under the Canadian Constitution, citing Section 95, which allows for shared jurisdiction over immigration between federal and provincial governments. “We’re not going to sit around and wait for Ottawa,” Ford said at the news conference.
The premiers argue that provinces are best equipped to identify and respond to local labour needs. Calls for increased allocations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) have grown stronger, especially after federal reductions to PNP quotas in 2024 under the Trudeau administration. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew noted that cuts to these programs threaten economic stability in rural and small-town communities, where immigrants play a critical role in sustaining service and manufacturing sectors.
East Coast leaders, such as New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for faster, more responsive immigration pathways. The issue is particularly urgent in regions with acute labour shortages and an aging workforce.
Another pressing concern raised during the meeting was the significant backlog in processing work permits for asylum seekers. Premier Ford criticized federal inefficiencies, stating that thousands of healthy, employable individuals remain unable to work while housed in temporary accommodations such as hotels. In 2024 alone, Ontario hosted close to 100,000 asylum seekers, many still awaiting authorization to enter the workforce.
Quebec Premier François Legault supported a tougher federal stance on asylum processing. Comparing Canada’s three-year average to France’s three-month timeline, he said the slow process imposes unwelcome pressure on essential government services. He backed the federal government’s recent Strong Borders bill, which is expected to expedite processing while giving Ottawa more authority to cancel claims deemed ineligible.
In response to mounting provincial criticism, federal Immigration Minister Lena Diab reaffirmed her commitment to collaboration. Drawing on her experience as a former Nova Scotia immigration minister, Diab emphasized her understanding of regional needs. Her office cited a recent productive meeting with provincial ministers and announced a $3.2 billion federal investment over three years for newcomer settlement services. This support includes language training and credential recognition programs for 520 organizations across Canada, excluding Quebec.
Despite this funding, many premiers remain skeptical, insisting that more substantive changes are needed—particularly around enabling provinces to take direct action on immigration. They argue that decentralizing immigration responsibilities could lead to more regionally tailored programs, better integration outcomes for newcomers, and faster workforce participation.
Overall, the push by provinces signals a potential turning point in Canadian immigration policy, as premiers explore constitutional levers and political unity to secure greater influence. This could lead to a more decentralized—but potentially more responsive—national immigration framework in the years ahead.