Maple News reports that federal, provincial, and territorial immigration ministers convened in Toronto this week to align on key immigration priorities and strategies. The biannual gathering, known as the Federation of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI), is a collaborative forum that sets the direction for a more efficient, responsive, and coordinated immigration system across Canada.
At the November 17 meeting, Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized the federal government’s commitment to sustainable population growth through the 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan. He highlighted the critical need for immigration to support sectors such as healthcare and construction, which are facing acute labour shortages.
Following the discussions, FMRI ministers issued a joint statement outlining seven major focus areas. Key objectives include reducing duplication and cutting processing times in federal-provincial economic immigration programs, expanding support for Francophone immigration outside Quebec, and delivering a more client-focused economic immigration system. The ministers also pledged to modernize foreign credential recognition and better align work permits with regional labour market needs.
Addressing broader community challenges, the FMRI also discussed cooperation on housing, infrastructure, and social service pressures that come with population growth. Ministers explored ways to broaden settlement support for temporary residents and asylum seekers who are likely to transition to permanent residency.
A major policy development discussed was the introduction of a multi-year planning framework for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Announced earlier this year in Halifax, this approach provides provinces and territories with immigration allocations up to three years in advance. Previously, allocations were shared just one year at a time.
This forward-looking strategy allows provinces to more effectively plan settlement services, healthcare, housing, and other infrastructure needs, benefiting both newcomers and existing residents. It’s a crucial step in enabling regions to better manage demographic and economic realities while maximizing the benefits of immigration.
The meeting emphasized a renewed federal-provincial commitment to strengthening Canada’s immigration system—ensuring it is not only fair and efficient but also strategically aligned with the labour market and community capacities across the country.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments from the FMRI and bring updates on how these plans will impact future immigration policy and newcomer settlement in Canada.