Every year the Government of Canada, in consultation with the provinces and territories, sets the total number of permanent residents that are expected to be admitted to Canada the following year.
The levels plan reflects the objectives of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and balances priorities by allocating admissions space to the economic, family and protected persons/humanitarian classes, as well as to the programs comprising these classes.
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of immigration in fueling economic growth and is planning to welcome between 260,000 and 285,000 new permanent residents in 2015. The economic category will account for almost 65 per cent of overall admissions helping to meet labour market demands in regions of Canada undergoing high economic growth. The other 35 per cent will be spread between family unification and refugee applicants.
Our government has also broadened the caregiver program to provide standards for caregiver compensation and allow caregiver status even if they do not live in the home of their employer. This will help immigrant families remain united when one family member works as a caregiver.
Your government has better clarified for new immigrants, the language requirements and knowledge of Canada’s culture, and history, in an effort to help new immigrants understand their new home. New immigrants must now learn how we have moulded a country and established values of law and order, freedom and democracy, religious and ethnic tolerance through democratic consensus.
Today, the security concerns surrounding immigrants have become a high priority and this is why bills to further protect the safety of Canadians will be coming forward.
Canada was built on immigration. Unfortunately, in the past, the system has been slow- moving and too generous, resulting in abuses. Your government is making it more efficient and more responsive to Canada’s needs while still welcoming those who wish to immigrate here and call Canada their home.
- Colin Mayes