Press Release
To help build a stronger economy, Ontario will develop its first-ever immigration strategy.
A new expert roundtable, led by Julia Deans, will help develop the strategy and examine ways that immigration can best support Ontario’s economic development while helping new Ontarians find jobs.
Ontario remains the number-one destination for newcomers to Canada, yet it is the only province currently without an immigration agreement with the federal government.
The new provincial immigration strategy will help to inform and shape discussions with Ottawa towards an agreement.
Skilled new Ontarians are fundamental to our economic future. That’s why the McGuinty government is calling on the federal government to share responsibility for immigration so that Ontario and Canada can continue to grow stronger together.
“Both Ontario and Canada have a shared responsibility when it comes to immigration and helping new Canadians find jobs,” said Citizenship and Immigration minister Charles Sousa.
“When Ontario grows and prospers, so does Canada.
“That’s why the new expert roundtable will help us develop the first-ever Ontario Immigration Strategy to support our case for an immigration agreement with the federal government and build a stronger economy,” he noted.
“As chair of the expert roundtable, I look forward to exploring ways to maximize the economic benefits of immigration to Ontario and improve the social and economic integration of our newcomers,”said Deans.
Ontario receives more immigrants than all the Western provinces, all the Atlantic provinces, and the three territories combined.
Newcomers make up 30 percent of Ontario’s labour force.
The roundtable will consist of business people, employers, academics, and other experts within the field of immigration and labour market needs.
It will provide its recommendations to the government this summer.
