Canada’s proposed Strong Borders Act (Bill C-2) is drawing national attention — and controversy. Spearheaded by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, the bill promises to speed up processes, limit asylum delays, and tighten border security. But while the government insists it’s about keeping the immigration system fair and efficient, legal experts and human rights advocates...
Canada’s immigration system has faced increasing pressure over long processing times. But in a lesser-known move, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has quietly started refunding a portion of immigration processing fees when it fails to meet its own service standards. Under the federal Service Fees Act, this refund policy is automatic and applies when...
Canada’s immigration system is admired worldwide, but a new wave of thinking suggests that where newcomers settle could be just as important as how many arrive. While most immigrants land in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, a growing number of policymakers and economists are asking: Can we redirect immigration to support struggling towns...
If you’re a temporary resident, international graduate, or skilled worker already living in Canada, chances are you’ve felt the stress of waiting. The Express Entry Immigration System, once hailed for its speed and efficiency, has grown inconsistent. Invitations to apply for permanent residence (PR) are no longer issued on a predictable schedule. Instead, applicants face...
A groundbreaking move by McMaster University and the Government of Prince Edward Island (PEI) is helping international doctors start their medical careers in Canada faster and more effectively. The new PEI-McMaster Collaborative Hospitalist Fellowship is not just a training program; it’s a real-world solution to two major needs: giving skilled international physicians a way to...
Pictou County, Nova Scotia, is stepping forward with a fresh approach to building a stronger local workforce. Through the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), the region is opening doors for skilled newcomers to settle in rural Canada, while helping local employers address growing labour shortages. This initiative offers a permanent residency pathway and supports both...
In a significant move that’s stirring nationwide debate, Quebec has officially passed Bill 84, introducing a new model for immigration integration that departs from Canada’s multiculturalism. The province will now follow an interculturalism approach, with the goal of reinforcing a unified social contract rooted in Quebec’s distinct cultural values. Jean-François Roberge, Quebec’s Minister for the...
Canada has long been known as a safe haven for people fleeing conflict, persecution, and oppression. But a decades-old treaty with the United States, the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) is now at the center of a legal challenge. Immigration and refugee advocates argue that recent developments in U.S. immigration policy may no longer meet...
For many temporary residents in Canada, the uncertainty around permanent residency options has pushed some to seek shortcuts. Among the most talked-about is the use of “dummy work permits.” These are applications sent to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with little or no chance of approval—filed only to extend someone’s stay in Canada under...
