Immigration drives economic renaissance in Atlantic Canada amid national concerns

Atlantic Canada is undergoing an economic transformation driven by immigration, according to authors Don Mills and David Campbell in their 2025 book, "Toward Prosperity."

While Canada grapples with housing shortages and overtaxed social programs due to rapid population growth, Atlantic provinces are leveraging immigration to combat demographic challenges and stimulate economic growth.

All four Atlantic provinces have implemented population growth strategies centred on immigration, with Nova Scotia aiming to double its population by 2060.

This regional success story emerges as federal leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre, advocate for tighter immigration controls nationwide.

#Atlantic_Canada, #Population_Growth, #Economic_Transformation

IRCC updated the Recognized Employer Pilot for streamlined work permit processing

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has released new policy guidelines for the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP), enhancing the efficiency of work permit processing.

The updated program, which will conclude in fall 2026, allows qualifying employers to receive Labour Market Impact Assessments valid for up to 36 months across multiple streams, including high-wage, low-wage, and agricultural sectors.

This streamlined approach enables businesses with proven compliance records to adjust yearly worker allocations according to their labour needs while maintaining strict standards for working conditions and worker protection.

The initiative represents a significant advancement in Canada's temporary foreign worker management strategy.

#temporary_foreign_workers, #recognized_employer_pilot, #labour_market, #work_permits, #ircc, #foreign_worker_program, #employment

IRCC updated the post-CUAET support measures for Ukrainians and families

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has provided updated operational guidance on the processing of applications to support Ukrainian nationals and their family members, following the government's announcement of a one-year extension to the temporary public policy supporting Ukrainians who arrived under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) measures.

Until March 31, 2026, eligible individuals with valid temporary resident status who arrived before March 31, 2024, may apply for new or renewed open work permits or study permits, subject to standard fees.

While the policy for pending applications expired on December 31, 2024, all applications submitted before July 15, 2023, will be processed to completion. Approved CUAET visa holders may still enter Canada during their visa validity period as regular temporary residents.

#Ukraine, #CUAET_extension, #Ukrainians, #mmigration_Canada, #temporary_residents, #work_permits

Courts unlikely to grant fifth extension to Ottawa for ‘lost Canadians’ citizenship issue before November deadline

The federal government may face challenges securing another extension to address constitutional issues in the Citizenship Act. Bill C-3, introduced on June 5, aims to reverse the 2009 "first-generation limit" rule, which prevents Canadian citizens born abroad from passing citizenship to children born outside Canada.

The bill would establish a 1,095-day cumulative presence requirement, which critics argue is insufficient to demonstrate a substantial connection to Canada.

With Parliament resuming on September 15, lawmakers have limited time to make the Act Charter-compliant before the November 20 deadline.

#lost_canadians, #citizenship_act, #bill_c3, #immigration_canada, #canadian_citizenship, #first_generation_limit, #constitutional_rights, #citizenship_reforms