Canadian Immigration News

1865 to 1935 is a very significant era for immigration to Canada, with 5.7 million immigrants landing on Canadian shores. Approximately 11.6 million present-day Canadians (one of every three) have ancestors who arrived during this time.

Given the current global economic situation, some countries have considered reducing immigration numbers. However, Canada has nevertheless pledged to maintain immigration levels and has been named one of the western nations that are least likely to develop an anti-immigration backlash despite the economic crisis by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The Economic Stream of the Nova Scotia Provincial Nomination Program (PNP), which has been suspended for some time while the government reviews the merits of the category, has been refunding immigrants part of the $130,500 in fees that they paid to be fast-tracked into the province. Recent announcements will entitle more people to these refunds.

Recent immigrants to the province of Nova Scotia who wish to establish their own businesses will soon have access to funding support from the provincial credit unions. The Immigrant Small Business Financing Program can offer immigrants who have lived in Nova Scotia for less than five years up to $150,000 to help start, expand, or buy a small business.

Nova Scotia's Immigration Minister Ramona Jannex announced today that a new stream is being added to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). The NSNP Non-Dependent Children of Nova Scotia Nominees stream aims to increase immigration to Nova Scotia, and help the province address its economic and demographic needs.

A new program launched this month by Bow Valley College in Calgary, Alberta aims to improve to integration of Internationally Educated Nurses into practicing nurse positions in Canada. The Integrated Practical Nurse Diploma program has a heavy focus on English as a second language and on learning the Canadian healthcare culture.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)’s eagerly anticipated new series, "The Border", tells the story of a cast of Canadian immigration and customs agents and how they deal with various border security issues. Award-winning filmmaker, Peter Raymont is executive producing the show, whichwas originally conceived by his late wife, Lindalee Tracey.

The government of Alberta's nine-year Health Workforces Action Plan (released last fall) outlined the need to attract foreign health professionals to Alberta and to create Health Career Centres to help them find work in their field.

The provinces of Quebec and Nova Scotia have joined British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in issuing Lists of Regional Occupations Under Pressure. HumanResources and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has implemented these lists to reduce the amount of time it takes for employers to hire temporary foreignworkers in the listed occupations.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has announced that the Northwest Territorieswill now have its own provincial nominee program (PNP) as part of an immigration agreement with the Canadian government.