Maple News reports that Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), an immigration initiative designed to connect skilled refugees with Canadian employers, is set to become a permanent program by 2025. This expansion, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), aligns with the federal government’s commitment to combine humanitarian efforts with economic immigration needs.
Originally launched as a pilot in 2018, the EMPP aims to help talented refugees and displaced individuals immigrate to Canada by leveraging their skills in sectors facing labor shortages. The program removes traditional barriers often faced by refugees, such as documentation requirements and high application fees. In doing so, it offers a practical pathway that benefits both newcomers and the Canadian labour market.
According to IRCC, the federal government plans to admit 2,000 refugees and displaced individuals through the EMPP by 2025. These individuals will be selected based on their qualifications for economic immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Provincial Nominee Programs, while receiving additional support tailored to their unique circumstances as refugees.
In 2023, Canada introduced new EMPP streams that simplify the process for employers and candidates to navigate the system. Employers in sectors like health care, engineering, tech, and trades can now more easily access a global talent pool of qualified candidates already pre-vetted for potential immigration hurdles.
“Canada is proud to be a global leader in refugee resettlement, and the expansion of the EMPP reaffirms our belief that talent can come from anywhere,” said Immigration Minister Marc Miller in a recent statement. “This program not only helps skilled refugees find stability but also supports our economic growth by filling essential job vacancies.”
By integrating refugee resettlement with labor market strategies, the EMPP represents a humanitarian approach to filling Canada’s workforce gaps. At a time when demographic challenges and aging populations create pressure on Canada’s economic systems, programs like the EMPP serve as innovative solutions that bridge global crises and domestic needs.
Applicants under the EMPP continue to receive support from partner organizations that help with job matching, English or French language training, and settlement services. Employers, meanwhile, are encouraged to consider refugees not only as humanitarian hires, but as a strategic talent resource.
As Canada looks to finalize the transition of the EMPP into a permanent program, stakeholders are optimistic that it will become a model for other countries seeking inclusive and sustainable immigration systems.