WES Weekly Roundup June 26, 2024

_{World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. The weekly roundup includes research, stories, and events of interest to the Canadian immigration and settlement community. This content has been created by WES and is reproduced here with their permission, in partnership.}

Ottawa split on plan to let undocumented migrants apply to stay in Canada, Immigration Minister Miller says (Globe & Mail)

Immigration Minister Marc Miller states that while the program to allow undocumented migrants to apply for permanent residence has been presented to the cabinet, no decision has been made due to significant opposition and ongoing discussions among ministers. The proposal includes provisions for rejected asylum claimants and former international students with expired permits. Miller emphasizes the economic and humanitarian benefits of regularizing undocumented migrants, who could contribute significantly to the economy. However, public opinion on immigration has become more divided, and the exact number of undocumented individuals in Canada remains uncertain. Despite support from various organizations and political figures, the implementation of the program faces delays and may not be resolved in the short term. The next steps involve continued cabinet discussions and public consultations to address concerns and build consensus on the proposed regularization program.

Population projections: Canada, provinces and territories, 2023 to 2073 (Statistics Canada)

Since the last edition of Statistics Canada's population projections in 2022, Canada's demographic landscape has evolved significantly, with accelerated population growth due to increased immigration, record-low fertility rates in 2022, and a three-year decline in life expectancy. The latest projections for 2023 to 2073 show Canada's population, estimated at 40.1 million in 2023, could reach between 47.1 million and 87.2 million by 2073. The medium-growth scenario predicts 62.8 million by 2073, with migratory increases being the primary driver of growth. The population aged 85 and older could triple, and the proportion of those aged 65 and older is set to rise significantly. Ontario and Quebec will remain the most populous provinces, though demographic weight may shift towards Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. Population aging will impact all provinces and territories, with varying growth rates and some regions potentially seeing population declines. The next steps involve using these projections to inform policy and planning to address demographic changes and their implications.

British Columbia makes Entrepreneur Regional Pilot Program permanent (CIC News)

British Columbia has permanently established the Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Regional Stream as part of their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), offering a pathway for international entrepreneurs to start businesses in small communities and gain permanent residency. To qualify, entrepreneurs must establish a business aligned with community priorities, demonstrate business or management experience, have a net worth over $300,000 CAD, and invest at least $100,000 CAD. Additionally, they must create one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, achieve Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 language proficiency, have or be eligible for legal immigration status in Canada, and have been lawfully admitted into their current country of residence. The program emphasizes community involvement, with communities identifying business priorities, assigning contacts for guidance, and providing referrals for entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to promote regional development and economic growth in British Columbia through international entrepreneurship.

Court grants Trudeau government extension to fix ‘lost Canadians’ citizenship rules — with a catch (Toronto Star)

The federal government has been granted an extension to address the citizenship rights of "lost Canadians" born outside Canada. An Ontario court had previously ruled that denying automatic citizenship to children born abroad to Canadian parents is unconstitutional. Ottawa was ordered to amend the Citizenship Act by June 20 but has now been given seven additional weeks to develop an interim plan and push for the passage of Bill C-71 by December 19. Judge Jasmine Akbarali granted the extension but criticized the government for not addressing the issue with urgency. The judge noted that many families are affected by the current law when making significant life decisions, as their children would not automatically gain Canadian citizenship if born outside Canada. Toronto lawyer Sujit Choudhry, representing the affected families, welcomed the court's decision, which included granting citizenship and partial indemnity costs to three families. The parties will reconvene on August 1 to review the government's progress.