Canada, Ontario to cooperate on maximizing the benefits of immigration

News Release

From Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement creates a framework to attract, select and support skilled newcomers

November 24, 2017 – Toronto, ON – A comprehensive agreement on immigration was signed today in a ceremony at Queen’s Park by the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Honourable Laura Albanese, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

The Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement (COIA) creates a new framework to strengthen the long-term partnership between Ontario and Canada to welcome and settle immigrants, boost the economy and address shared humanitarian responsibilities. The agreement outlines the respective roles and responsibilities, and shared immigration priorities in selection policy, program integrity, attraction of French-speaking immigrants, and newcomer and refugee settlement.

Through these initiatives, the Governments of Canada and Ontario are demonstrating a commitment to cooperation to ensure the economic, social and cultural benefits of immigration are maximized in the province. Collaboration between the federal government and provincial partners is a crucial element of the ongoing success of Canada’s world-leading immigration system.

Below are some specifics:

- A planned increase in Francophone speakers in Ontario by 5%.

- An increase in OINP applicants.

- $91 million in bridge training programs over the next three years to assist newcomers to Ontario (up to $21 million from the federal government and $70 million from Ontario).

- $27 million for credential recognition beginning in source countries.

This agreement signals the ongoing commitment, on the parts of federal and provincial government, to ensure that the necessary framework is in place to facilitate rising immigration levels over the next few years.