Widespread support for most ambitious immigration plan in recent history

OTTAWA, Nov. 3, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada announced its historic multi-year levels plan – setting the most ambitious immigration levels in recent history, on November 1st. Stakeholders from across the country applauded the Government's decision, which takes into consideration Canada's need for more immigrants to support economic growth, while balancing our fiscal responsibilities. Here's what stakeholders, provinces and service providers organizations have said:

"Canada's decision to increase immigration will help sustain long-term economic growth in light of its rapidly aging population and low birth rate. Introducing a multi-year levels plan will improve the ability of governments, employers, immigrant-serving organizations and other important stakeholders to successfully integrate newcomers into Canada's economy and society."
– Craig Alexander, Senior Vice-President, Conference Board of Canada

"The province supports the introduction of multi-year levels plans to provide more predictability to the immigration system and inform program planning. Significant variation in year-to-year immigration levels can dramatically impact the requirement for provincial year-to-year resources. A longer term outlook would help in planning for appropriate service levels and use of resources. Ontario supports growth in immigration levels, particularly in economic immigration categories to support the growing economy."
– The Honourable Laura Albanese, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Ontario

"The multi-year plan is something that we (provincial counterparts) have pushed for. For decades the federal government has relied on setting targets each year. This plan is very consistent with the goals of my government and my personal goals as the immigration minister. We want to see growth in all immigration. It's the direction the country needs and more specifically the direction Nova Scotia needs."
–The Honourable Lena Diab, Minister of Immigration, Nova Scotia

"This is an important step in the right direction, which reaffirms Canada's belief in immigration and citizenship as a principle which has helped to build, and which will continue to build, the country."
–The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul, co-chairs of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship

"The Minister says multiyear levels plan first in 2 decades, meeting economic needs and supporting global competitiveness."
– Barbara Jo Caruso, Chair, Canadian Bar Association

"This announcement is a long‑term investment in the health of our francophone minority communities, who will benefit from this increase in immigration levels. It's a new step in the right direction in order to meet federal francophone immigration objectives. This plan, which takes into account the economic contribution of immigration, will encourage growth and job creation, and create business ties between Canada and the rest of the world. This commitment is at the height of Canada's reputation as being a welcoming place built around unified communities who celebrate diversity."
– Florence Ngenzebuhoro, Director General, Centre francophone de Toronto

"We welcome this announcement from the federal government. Immigrant professionals bring innovation, international connections and new business perspectives to this country and its labour market. This increase in immigrant talent will drive growth and help foster a more competitive economy, as well as benefiting wider society. Congratulations to Minister Hussen and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for these ambitious new targets they will help build a more prosperous future for us all."
– Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council

"We, probably in the world, have one of the best immigration programs not only in terms of our selection processes but also in terms of our settlement and integration programs where we work with immigrants." 
– Debbie Douglas, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants

Related products 

• News Release
• Backgrounder
• 2018-2020 Immigration Levels Plan

Follow us:

• facebook.com/CitCanada
• twitter.com/CitImmCanada
• instagram.com/CitImmCanada

SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada