Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Canada doubles resettlement spaces for human rights defenders

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 25, 2023

OTTAWA, ON, July 25, 2023 /CNW/ - Human rights defenders (HRDs) are active in every part of the world and play an essential role in promoting and protecting human rights internationally.

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, ON, July 25, 2023 /CNW/ - Human rights defenders (HRDs) are active in every part of the world and play an essential role in promoting and protecting human rights internationally.
  • The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today announced the expansion of the global human rights defenders stream, doubling the number of resettlement spaces from 250 to 500 for HRDs and their family members.
  • Human rights defenders help build the inclusive and democratic societies that contribute to a peaceful and prosperous international community.
  • As the world grapples with numerous human rights challenges, Canada is reinforcing its role as a global leader in promoting human rights and protecting those who safeguard them.

Mainstreet Equity Corp Achieved Double Digit Growth Across All Key Operating Metrics Including Same Store Results

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 25, 2023

In Q3 2023, Mainstreet Equity Corp. (“Mainstreet”, TSX:MEQ) achieved double-digit, year-over-year growth across all key operating metrics for the seventh consecutive quarter.

Key Points: 
  • In Q3 2023, Mainstreet Equity Corp. (“Mainstreet”, TSX:MEQ) achieved double-digit, year-over-year growth across all key operating metrics for the seventh consecutive quarter.
  • By strictly adhering to our 100% organic, non-dilutive growth strategy, Mainstreet has continued to create shareholder value throughout the economic cycle, including in periods of high volatility.
  • As a result, vacancy rates have fallen to an all-time low of 1.9% in 2022, according to CMHC data.
  • That said, Mainstreet has managed to limit its exposure to shortages through various avenues including foreign worker programs.

STATEMENT - Minister Fraser announces appointment of chair of Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

Retrieved on: 
Friday, July 14, 2023

OTTAWA, ON, July 14, 2023 /CNW/ - The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement:

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, ON, July 14, 2023 /CNW/ - The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement:
    "I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Manon Brassard as Chair of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) for a five-year term, effective July 23, 2023.
  • In 2010, she was appointed assistant deputy minister (ADM) of Corporate Services at what was then Citizenship and Immigration Canada and, in 2013, she became ADM of Programs at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
  • In 2014, she moved to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, where she served as ADM of the Compensation and Labour Relations sector.
  • She will remain in this role until she takes on her new position as Chair of the IRB.

Minister Fraser launches Canada's first-ever Tech Talent Strategy at Collision 2023

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Today at Collision 2023 , the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship launched Canada's first-ever Tech Talent Strategy.

Key Points: 
  • Today at Collision 2023 , the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship launched Canada's first-ever Tech Talent Strategy.
  • For more details on each element of the Tech Talent Strategy, see the backgrounder.
  • With Canada's first-ever immigration Tech Talent Strategy, we're targeting newcomers that can help enshrine Canada as a world leader in a variety of emerging technologies.
  • I'm grateful for the collaboration of the tech, start-up and business communities, who have provided valuable insight to develop this strategy.

New measure to benefit foreign workers looking to improve their skills

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Starting immediately, foreign workers will have the opportunity to seek additional training and education that can help them in their careers.

Key Points: 
  • Starting immediately, foreign workers will have the opportunity to seek additional training and education that can help them in their careers.
  • This measure will also help foreign workers expand their future job prospects and increase their opportunities to transition to permanent residence.
  • Prior to this change, foreign workers could study while working, but only in programs of 6 months or less.
  • "Temporary foreign workers are incredibly important for the Canadian economy, and many have aspirations that go far beyond the work that initially brings them to Canada.

New investment for Collège La Cité and Colleges and Institutes Canada to provide pre-arrival services for newcomers

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Collège La Cité and Colleges and Institutes Canada offer online and in-person services abroad to newcomers before they arrive in Canada.

Key Points: 
  • Collège La Cité and Colleges and Institutes Canada offer online and in-person services abroad to newcomers before they arrive in Canada.
  • Collège La Cité also supports pre-arrival services for Francophone newcomers, aiding them in adapting to their new communities and strengthening their integration into the economy.
  • Investments in pre-arrival services through organizations like Collège La Cité and Colleges and Institutes Canada help newcomers and their families adjust as they join our diverse communities.
  • The success of newcomers in Canada is down to the hard work and efforts of groups like the Colleges and Institutes Canada and Collège La Cité.

Minister of Transport marks International Day of Seafarers and announces agreements to certify foreign seafarers in Canada

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, June 25, 2023

Today, on the International Day of the Seafarer, the Minister of Transport, the Honorable Omar Alghabra, announced that Canada has signed agreements with Georgia, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom to allow their certified seafarers to work onboard Canadian vessels.

Key Points: 
  • Today, on the International Day of the Seafarer, the Minister of Transport, the Honorable Omar Alghabra, announced that Canada has signed agreements with Georgia, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom to allow their certified seafarers to work onboard Canadian vessels.
  • These countries now join Australia, France, Norway, and Ukraine as participants in Canada's Reciprocal Arrangement Program.
  • Launched in 2019, the Reciprocal Arrangement Program allows highly qualified workers to quickly gain employment in the Canadian marine sector.
  • A foreign seafarer must meet the requirements imposed by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada to work in Canada, including obtaining a valid work permit.

Statement from Minister Fraser concerning reports of international student fraud

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Other foreign nationals had no intent of pursuing higher education, and used fraudulent acceptance letters to take advantage of Canada's immigration system.

Key Points: 
  • Other foreign nationals had no intent of pursuing higher education, and used fraudulent acceptance letters to take advantage of Canada's immigration system.
  • Within this cohort of individuals, some have been involved in organized crime.
  • "I want to make it clear that international students who are not found to be involved in fraud will not face deportation.
  • If you believe you have been deceived by an unscrupulous consultant, we urge you to come forward and report fraud ."

TOEFL iBT® Approved for Canada's Student Direct Stream

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 30, 2023

PRINCETON, N.J., May 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ETS announced today that the TOEFL iBT test has been approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for use in Canada's Student Direct Stream (SDS), an expedited study permit processing program for international students from 14 countries who plan to enroll in one of Canada's postsecondary designated learning institutions.

Key Points: 
  • PRINCETON, N.J., May 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ETS announced today that the TOEFL iBT test has been approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for use in Canada's Student Direct Stream (SDS), an expedited study permit processing program for international students from 14 countries who plan to enroll in one of Canada's postsecondary designated learning institutions.
  • The expansion to include TOEFL iBT is a welcome change for test takers who now have the option to select which test works best for them.
  • Students can begin sending TOEFL iBT scores as part of their SDS application beginning August 10, 2023.
  • For more information on TOEFL iBT, including how to register, access to practice materials and more, visit www.ets.org/toefl .

TOEFL iBT® Approved for Canada's Student Direct Stream

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 30, 2023

PRINCETON, N.J., May 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ETS announced today that the TOEFL iBT test has been approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for use in Canada's Student Direct Stream (SDS), an expedited study permit processing program for international students from 14 countries who plan to enroll in one of Canada's postsecondary designated learning institutions.

Key Points: 
  • PRINCETON, N.J., May 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ETS announced today that the TOEFL iBT test has been approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for use in Canada's Student Direct Stream (SDS), an expedited study permit processing program for international students from 14 countries who plan to enroll in one of Canada's postsecondary designated learning institutions.
  • The expansion to include TOEFL iBT is a welcome change for test takers who now have the option to select which test works best for them.
  • Students can begin sending TOEFL iBT scores as part of their SDS application beginning August 10, 2023.
  • For more information on TOEFL iBT, including how to register, access to practice materials and more, visit www.ets.org/toefl .