Maple News reports that Canada’s provincial premiers are stepping up their calls for expanded authority over immigration policy, including the ability to issue their own work permits and influence economic immigration levels based on local labour market needs. This growing demand took center stage at the Council of the Federation […]
Author: Maple News
Sudanese-Born Leader Fosters Unity Between Newcomers and Indigenous Communities in Winnipeg
Mandela Kuet, a Sudanese-born community advocate in Winnipeg, is making waves for his efforts to bridge cultural divides between Indigenous Peoples and newcomers to Canada. Having immigrated from South Sudan in the late 1990s, Kuet grew up in Winnipeg’s North End — a neighbourhood historically rooted in Indigenous culture and […]
From South Sudan to Winnipeg: One Man’s Mission to Unite Newcomers and Indigenous Communities
Maple News reports that Mandela Kuet, a community builder born in South Sudan and raised in Winnipeg’s North End, is working to bridge the divide between Indigenous and newcomer communities in Canada. Guided by personal experience and grassroots activism, Kuet is fostering cultural understanding and empowering youth to become change-makers. […]
Canadian Provinces Push for Greater Immigration Control and Work Permit Authority
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 […]
Manitoba Targets Francophone and Regional Talent in Latest PNP Draw
Maple News reports that the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has issued 19 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) in its latest Expression of Interest (EOI) draw held on July 24, 2025. The draw specifically targeted skilled workers under strategic recruitment initiatives, with candidates coming from both the Skilled Worker […]
Canada’s International Student Program Under Federal Audit Amid Rising Concerns
Maple News reports that the Auditor General of Canada has initiated a formal audit of the country’s international student program, amid growing apprehension over its long-term viability and the strain it may be placing on Canada’s infrastructure and immigration system. The move comes after years of rapid program expansion, mounting […]
Canada Reopens Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program for 2024
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially reopened the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2024. Beginning July 28, the federal government is issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Canadian citizens and permanent residents interested in sponsoring their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. This […]
Canada Expands Free Support for Internationally Educated Nurses Through New PASS Program
Maple News reports that Canada has introduced a strengthened support system to help internationally educated nurses (IENs) transition into the Canadian healthcare workforce. Through the federally funded Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS) Program, eligible nurses receive tailored assistance at no cost. Administered by the CARE Centre for Internationally […]
What the 2025 Express Entry Draw Trends Reveal So Far
According to Maple News, Canada has conducted 27 Express Entry draws between January 1 and July 24, 2025—matching the pace set in 2024 and outpacing the 22 draws held during the same time in 2023. However, beneath the steady frequency lies a noticeable shift: a significant increase in Provincial Nominee […]
Quebec Begins Issuing Invitations Under New Skilled Worker Selection Program
Maple News reports that on July 17, the province of Quebec issued its first invitations under its newly revamped Skilled Worker Selection Program (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés, or PSTQ). The draw spotlighted individuals who are already residing in Quebec, with a strong focus on French-speaking candidates who either […]
Nova Scotia Pauses Processing for Some PNP Applications Amid 2025 Quota Constraints
Nova Scotia will no longer process certain applications to its Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP) for 2025, after exceeding its federal nomination allocation for the year. According to Maple News, this means not all eligible applicants will receive nominations, despite meeting program criteria. For the remainder of 2025, Nova Scotia […]
Quebec Launches New Skilled Worker Selection with 238 Invitations in July 2025 Draw
Maple News reports that Quebec has issued 238 invitations in its first immigration draw under the newly implemented Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ), held through the Arrima expression of interest system on July 17, 2025. This draw targeted two key applicant streams: highly qualified individuals and those with […]
IRCC Backlog Rises Again, Topping 842,000 Applications Despite Study Permit Gains
According to Maple News, Canada’s immigration system is once again facing mounting pressure, with the backlog of pending applications at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) increasing to 842,800 as of June 30, 2025. This marks a 5.02% rise from 802,000 applications in May, despite improvements in some areas such […]
Canada Invites 4,000 Healthcare Workers in Major Express Entry Draw as CRS Score Falls to 475
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a major category-based Express Entry draw on July 22, 2025, issuing 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates working in healthcare and social services. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 475 — a significant drop of […]
Canadian Passport Ranks Among World’s Most Powerful, Outperforming the U.S.
According to Maple News, Canada continues to maintain a strong position among the world’s most powerful travel documents, as revealed in the latest Henley Passport Index released on July 22. The Canadian passport ranks eighth globally, tied with the United Arab Emirates and Estonia. The Henley Passport Index, which is […]
Quebec Reaches Annual Limit on Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents
Maple News reports that Quebec has officially reached its cap for 2025-2026 on family sponsorship applications for parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives. As of July 22, 2025, no new undertaking applications in these categories will be accepted by the province’s immigration ministry. The cap, introduced by Quebec’s Ministry of […]