Maple News reports that Canada welcomed 184,370 new permanent residents in 2020, marking a significant decline in immigration levels due to global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This figure represents the lowest number of new immigrants admitted to Canada in over two decades, dating back to 1998 when just […]
Canada’s January Unemployment Hits 9.4%, Highest Since August 2020
Maple News reports that Canada’s unemployment rate rose sharply to 9.4% in January — the highest level recorded since August 2020 — as stricter COVID-19 restrictions took a toll on the labour market. According to the latest Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada, the country shed 213,000 jobs in January, […]
Canada Extends COVID-19 Testing Requirements at U.S. Land Border
Maple News reports that starting February 15, Canada will implement stricter COVID-19 testing measures at land border crossings, requiring travellers to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to entry. The move mirrors existing protocols already in place for air travellers and aims to curb the spread […]
COVID-19 Disproportionately Affects Immigrants and Racialized Communities in Ottawa
Maple News reports that a new study reveals immigrants and racialized communities in Ottawa have faced a significantly higher risk of COVID-19 exposure and impact compared to the general population. The findings come from a report titled The Impact of COVID-19 on Immigrants and Racialized Communities in Ottawa, which is […]
Newfoundland and Labrador Prioritize Immigration to Tackle Aging Population
Maple News reports that Newfoundland and Labrador are intensifying efforts to attract and retain immigrants as the province faces a shrinking and aging population. While provinces like Ontario and British Columbia continue to be top destinations for newcomers, Newfoundland and Labrador are now stepping forward to compete as a viable […]
Canada Imposes Mandatory Hotel Quarantine for Air Travellers Starting February 22
Maple News reports that starting February 22, travelers arriving in Canada by air will be required to quarantine in a government-approved hotel for up to three days at their own expense—estimated at approximately $2,000. This new mandate is part of strengthened border measures aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 […]
Canada Expands PGWP Access: Full Online Studies Now Count Toward Post-Graduation Work Permit
Maple News reports that international students in Canada can now earn a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) even if they completed 100% of their studies online — a major shift in Canada’s immigration policy introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a move to support international graduates amidst global travel […]
B.C. Expands Immigration Pathway to International Students Who Studied Remotely
Maple News reports that British Columbia has updated its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) to better reflect the realities international students faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of February 2, the province now allows applicants to be eligible for its international graduate immigration streams even if up to 50% of […]
Canada Extends International Travel Restrictions Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Concerns
Maple News reports that Canada is extending its international travel restrictions in response to continued concerns over COVID-19 and the emergence of new variants. Travelers from the United States will see border measures extended until March 21, while restrictions for all other international visitors will remain in effect until at […]
Atlantic Immigration Program Boosting Long-Term Immigrant Retention, Maple News Reports
Maple News reports that the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is making significant progress in helping Atlantic Canada attract and retain immigrants—a long-standing challenge for the region. A new evaluation by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) covering the period from the program’s 2017 launch through the 2019–2020 fiscal year suggests […]
Canada Tightens COVID-19 Testing for All Incoming Travellers
Maple News reports that Canada has implemented strict COVID-19 testing regulations for all international travellers aged five and over. Effective since February 22, these measures require all incoming travellers to present a negative COVID-19 test result before entering the country, regardless of their vaccination status. Travellers must provide proof of […]
Canada Announces Government-Approved Hotels for Mandatory Airport Quarantine
Maple News reports that the Canadian government has released an official list of hotels approved to accommodate international air travelers for the mandatory quarantine period. As of February 22, all passengers arriving by air in Canada are required to take a COVID-19 test upon landing and quarantine in one of […]
Where Immigrants Settled in Canada During 2020—and What Comes Next
Maple News reports that Canada’s immigration numbers took a significant hit in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the country welcoming just over 184,000 permanent residents—well below its original target of 341,000. This marked the lowest immigration level since 1998, triggered by travel restrictions and border closures beginning in […]
Canada Poised to Hit Ambitious Immigration Target Despite Pandemic Challenges
Maple News reports that Canada is well on track to reach its 2021 immigration target, despite the ongoing global health crisis. According to Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, the country admitted 26,600 new permanent residents in January — a 10% increase over the same month in 2020, just before nationwide lockdowns […]
Canada Reopens Select IEC Pools for 2021, Offering Young Adults a Path to Work and Travel
Maple News reports that Canada will reopen pools for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program on March 1, 2021, for select partner countries. This initiative offers young adults from countries with reciprocal youth mobility agreements the chance to work and explore life in Canada. The IEC program has three distinct […]
Canada’s Business Council Urges Budget Focus on Skilled Immigration for Economic Recovery
Maple News reports that the Business Council of Canada has issued a strong call to action ahead of the federal budget, urging policymakers to prioritize skilled immigration and workforce development as key pillars of Canada’s long-term economic growth and recovery. In an open letter addressed to Deputy Prime Minister and […]