Maple News reports that a growing number of Canadian provinces are seeking more authority over immigration policies, including the power to issue work permits and set regional immigration targets. This renewed push was prominently highlighted during the recent Council of the Federation meeting, which concluded on July 24, 2025, in Huntsville, Ontario.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, speaking at the closing press conference, declared the provinces’ intent to take a more active role in shaping immigration outcomes. Accusing federal Immigration Minister Lena Diab of falling out of step with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s more decentralized immigration stance, Ford stated, “We will be issuing our own work permits. We’re not going to sit around and wait for the federal government.”
The demand for more provincial autonomy stems from frustrations with Ottawa’s perceived sluggishness and misalignment with local workforce needs. Provincial leaders argue that they are better positioned to evaluate and respond to specific labour shortages across industries and regions. They are calling for expanded allocations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows them to handpick skilled immigrants suited to local economic needs.
The conversation takes place amid a broader national debate on immigration targets. In 2024, the former Trudeau administration halved PNP allocations in an effort to moderate total immigration levels. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew warned that these reductions could harm vital sectors in smaller communities, particularly in manufacturing and service industries. “There’s consensus among the premiers that we’re going to take a much more active approach,” he said.
Criticism also abounded over lengthy asylum work permit processing times. Ford lamented that thousands of able-bodied asylum seekers are being housed in hotels—unable to work due to delays. Quebec Premier François Legault pointed out that Canada’s average processing time for asylum claims stands at three years, far exceeding countries like France.
To address increasing concerns, the federal government recently introduced a bill aimed at reinforcing border protections and streamlining asylum processing. Legault welcomed this move but emphasized the urgency of reducing strain on public services.
In response to provincial concerns, Immigration Minister Lena Diab announced $3.2 billion in new funding for immigrant settlement services over three years. These resources will support job readiness, language training, and credential recognition for newcomers across 520 organizations outside Quebec. “This investment is about giving newcomers the skills and opportunities they need to build their lives here and help build Canada at the same time,” Diab stated.
Nevertheless, provincial leaders argue that settlement support, while necessary, is not enough. They continue to press for direct policy control to ensure timely integration of immigrants into their labour markets, as pressures mount on housing, healthcare, and the overall economy.
As constitutional provisions like Section 95—granting provinces shared authority over immigration—reemerge in political discussions, Canada could be moving toward a more regionally tailored immigration model. While such a shift may better address localized economic demands, it also poses challenges to maintaining cohesive national immigration standards.
Maple News will continue to monitor how these developments shape the future of immigration in Canada.