Immigration ministers of Canada participated in a meeting and concluded increasing Canadian Immigration levels and establishing multi-year targets. The meeting that took place in Toronto last week included federal, provincial and territorial ministers.

The current annual immigration levels plan for 2017 invites up to 300,000 new permanent residents for the current year. Under this plan, about 57 percent of permanent residents to Canada are economic migrants who help in Canada’s economy.

The 57 percent share includes migrants who apply through one of the economic programs managed under Express Entry system and skilled workers settling down in the province of Quebec.

The share also includes applicants who apply through one of the Provincial Nominee Programs. The plan also includes Canadian Permanent Residents and citizens to sponsor family members including spouses and common-law partners.

Introduction of immigration plans to the government happens during the fall of every year. It is still unclear as to what these plans might include.

The meeting also resulted in an agreement to develop a federal-provincial-territorial plan and streamline the flow of information among all orders of government. The plan also includes better cooperation between IRCC and government bodies to support delivery of high settlement services for all Permanent Residence newcomers.

Furthermore, the ministers also shed some light on the Francophone Immigration system. Talks about the promotion of Francophone Immigration to communities outside Quebec also took place.

Last June, changes were made to the Express Entry CRS so that additional points can be awarded to Francophone candidates. The international Francophone Mobility Program also allows employers outside Quebec to hire skilled French-speaking workers.

Additionally, Ontario also offers a French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream via Express Entry that allows the hiring of candidates with good French and English abilities.

Asylum seekers illegally trying to immigrate to Canada came to notice during the meeting. Practices would include better intergovernmental collaboration to support migrations and safeguarding Canadian border and Canadian citizens.