Ottawa, Ontario - November 4, 2005

Ottawa, November 4, 2005 – Federal, provincial and territorial

ministers responsible for immigration have adopted a strategic

direction on immigration that will build on the success of Canada’s

current immigration program and prepare us to meet the challenges

of the 21st century.

The strategic direction builds on Canada’s celebration of diversity

and the principles of inclusion and equal opportunity. Together,

ministers are fulfilling a November 2004 commitment to work to

chart the future course of Canada’s immigration program. (A copy of

the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Strategic Direction on

Immigration is attached.)

“Immigration has always been, and will continue to be a vital tool

for nation building in Canada, and a successful immigration program

is essential to our continuing economic and social prosperity,”

said the Honourable Joe Volpe, Minister of Citizenship and

Immigration. “Today, we have strengthened Canada by building the

foundation on which we will develop and deliver programs to enable

refugees and immigrants to maximize their opportunities and

contributions in every region of the country.”

Canada faces many sectoral and regional labour shortages. Within

the next decade newcomers are expected to account for all net

labour force growth. As population growth declines in Canada and in

most of the developed world, global competition for the skills and

talents of immigrants will intensify. While Canada has been

successful in attracting and retaining immigrants, federal,

provincial and territorial governments will have to collaborate

further to promote Canada as a destination, recruit immigrants and

ensure their integration into Canadian society.

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a flexible immigration

program that will continue to meet the unique needs of each

province and territory, and that respects existing bilateral

agreements and each government’s area of jurisdiction.

"Our economies depend on immigration," said the Honourable Mike

Colle, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration on behalf of

the provinces and territories. “That's why my provincial and

territorial colleagues and I are committed to working with the

federal government to make sure our newcomers have every

opportunity to succeed. We will continue to share our unique

perspectives to help build stronger, diverse communities in all

regions of Canada.”

The ministers also identified five key priorities for the coming

year. Jurisdictions may pursue them by working collaboratively on

joint projects, or by working independently. The priorities are:

  ·  Improved selection, including multi-year levels planning and

     better promotion to recruit immigrants;

  ·  The development of an in-Canada economic class, to better

     retain those who have Canadian experience or training;

  ·  Improved outcomes to ensure immigrants’ skills are used to

     full potential;

  ·  Increased regionalization, to share the benefits of

     immigration with local economies; and

  ·  Improved client service, including shorter waiting times,

     reduced inventories and streamlining the in-Canada refugee

     determination system.Ministers agreed to consult collaboratively

     with partners and stakeholders on immigration matters as

     appropriate.

The Government of Quebec recognizes the initiative of the federal

government and of the governments of the other provinces and

territories to develop strategic directions in the area of

immigration. Quebec has already established its own directions in

compliance with its jurisdiction under the Canada Québec Accord.

While it will pursue its work with the federal government on a

bilateral basis, Quebec will continue to share its best practices

with other provinces and territories.

Quebec has a wealth of experience in consultation on immigration

and on multi year planning according to which it consults with its

citizens on all aspects of immigration, based on the objectives it

has set. It will therefore continue to use that approach, which has

yielded excellent results so far.

“My counterparts and I are pleased with the progress made during

our meeting. Now, more than ever, collaborative work with

provincial and territorial ministers is crucial for the success of

the immigration program,” said Minister Volpe.