Policies and Agreements

The framework for Canada's immigration policies is outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) which came into force in 2002. The new Act has important changes, particularly to improve the security provisions in the new legislation. These provisions provide greater security to Canadians and will improve the integrity of the system.

The new Act works in conjunction with other statutes of law. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms still applies; the requirements for procedural fairness still apply; Canada's international obligations still apply. Canada's regulatory process is open and transparent, with opportunities for public participation.

Immigration

Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement (COIA)

On November 21, 2005, the governments of Ontario and Canada signed the first Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement. Through the agreement, the federal government provides $920 million in new immigration funding over five years to help newcomers successfully integrate into Ontario communities and workforce. The agreement outlines how the governments of Canada and Ontario will work together in the following areas:

• Settlement and Language Training Services
• Partnership with Municipalities
• Provincial Nominee Program
• Temporary Foreign Workers Agreement
• Ontario Immigration Web Portal

Bill C-50

In June 2008, Members of Parliament voted in Bill C-50, the 2008 budget implementation act, which includes amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). These amendments give the Minister of Citizenship greater discretion to target particular groups of applicants and fast track them to meet the labour market needs of the country.

On December 1, 2008, the Government of Canada released an "Action Plan for Faster Immigration." This document includes Ministerial instructions outlining a set of eligibility criteria that apply to all new federal skilled worker applications received on or after February 27, 2008, and specifies a list of 38 occupations which the Government believes are required to meet Canada's labour market needs.

> Read TRIEC's briefing note on the ministerial instructions

Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Ontario launched its pilot PNP in May 2007 with the intention of nominating 500 individuals through this program. This program is employer-driven. Individuals can only apply if the employer is pre-screened, the position is approved and the employer provides the individual with a nominee application package.

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Labour Market

Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA)

Ontario signed a LMDA with the federal government in November 2005. Under this agreement, the Province assumed responsibility as of January 2007 for designing and delivering employment programs and services for unemployed people eligible under the Employment Insurance (EI) program. The Government of Canada committed $1.95 billion annually to support programs and services intended to help people prepare for, obtain and maintain employment.

Labour Market Agreement (LMA)

Ontario signed an LMA with the federal government in February 2008. The agreement is worth approximately $1.2 billion over six years and aims to support skills development for a number of people not otherwise eligible for training.

The new agreement with Ontario comes into effect on April 1, 2008 with initial investment of about $194 million in 2008-2009. It complements the Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) signed between the governments of Canada and Ontario in 2005.

Funding will provide more resources for unemployed individuals who are not eligible for training from Employment Insurance (EI) and for employed individuals who have low levels of skills or who are working in low-skill jobs. The funding will include Aboriginal people, immigrants, persons with disabilities, as well as those workers who lack literacy and essential skills.

Ontario will direct the new investment to the four priority areas:

• Technical skills training - Develop occupationally specific training that supports labour market attachment, bridges skills gaps to grow Ontario's labour supply, addresses cost as a barrier to skills training for non-EI eligible Ontarians, and helps meet the demand for skilled tradespersons;
• Labour market integration of immigrants - Create opportunities with focused bridge training projects, financial support, and credential assessment, and increase opportunities to obtain Canadian work experience through mentoring, coaching and other supports for work experience;
• Foundation skills training and supports - Improve access to literacy and essential skills training; and
• Labour market supports for persons with disabilities - Remove barriers to participation by providing sign language interpreters, alternate formats, and attendant care, and increase availability of employer incentives to train on the job, including accommodations and enhancements in the workplace.

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