Ottawa – Immigration is the Engine of the Canadian Economy, Helping to Address Labor Shortages and Keep Our Communities Thriving.

January 31, 2022

Ottawa - Immigration is the engine of the Canadian economy, helping to address labor shortages and keep our communities thriving.

Newcomers have played an essential role in addressing some of our most severe labor shortages throughout the pandemic, including on the front lines. However, there remain challenges, including processing delays that have led to frustrations for those trying to come to Canada to work or reunite with their families. While Canada welcomed the highest number of permanent residents in a single year in 2021 by processing a record number of applications, border restrictions and other pandemic-related factors have led to delays for many applicants, and long waits for application updates. We know these need to be addressed.

Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced measures to improve client experience and modernize the immigration system.