Ontario is introducing comprehensive reforms to its driver's licence system through Bill 60, which links licensing eligibility directly to immigration status and work authorization.
Effective early 2026, the Ministry of Transportation will verify applicants' legal status in Canada before issuing or renewing licences.
The legislation prohibits temporary visitors from obtaining commercial driver's licences, ends automatic recognition of foreign licences from non-reciprocal countries, and mandates one year of Canadian driving experience before qualifying for Class A commercial licences.
These measures aim to enhance road safety, prevent fraud, and ensure only authorized individuals operate vehicles professionally across the province.
#ontario_driving_licence_rules, #bill_60_ontario, #immigration_status_canada, #driver_licence_reform_2026, #work_permit_verification, #newcomers_canada, #trucking_industry_ontario, #foreign_licence_recognition
November 3, 2025
Immigration Minister Lena Diab defended the government's new border security legislation, Bill C-12, stating that the trigger for pausing or revoking immigration applications remains deliberately undefined to maintain flexibility during unforeseen crises.
During a House of Commons committee hearing, Diab faced scrutiny from Conservative critic Michelle Rempel Garner, who questioned potential safeguards against abuse of these sweeping powers.
While Diab assured the measures would only apply in exceptional circumstances and comply with Charter rights, over 300 civil society organizations have urged Ottawa to withdraw the controversial legislation, citing concerns about mass document cancellations and inadequate protections for immigrants.
#canada_immigration, #bill_c12, #border_security, #lena_diab, #civil_rights
November 3, 2025
Holland College has reported a 47% decline in its international student population in 2025, from 848 students last year to 446.
The college projects an additional loss of 300 students by the 2026–27 academic year, totalling a reduction of about 700 international students, over 80% of its former international enrolment.
The decline stems directly from federal immigration policy changes, particularly restrictions on college graduates’ eligibility for Post-Graduate Work Permits. As a result, the institution faces more than $4 million in lost tuition revenue this fiscal year.
However, domestic student numbers have increased by 11%, reflecting stronger local recruitment. College President Dr. Alexander MacDonald emphasized that federal policy shifts are limiting the province’s access to skilled workers, as most graduates traditionally remain in PEI after completing their studies.
#HollandCollege, #international_students, #PGWP, #immigration_policy, #studyinCanada, #PEI
October 31, 2025
Statistics Canada published a detailed demographic analysis examining Arab communities across the country, revealing significant growth and notable characteristics.
The Arab population has more than tripled since 2001, reaching nearly 796,000 people in 2021, with projections suggesting it could grow to between 1.4 and 1.9 million by 2041.
The study highlights that half of Arabs aged 25 to 54 hold bachelor's degrees or higher, considerably above the national average.
The report also examines diverse origins, with Canada being the most common birthplace, followed by Lebanon, Syria, and Morocco, and notes challenges, including credential recognition gaps and experiences of discrimination affecting nearly 40% of respondents.
#arab_canadians, #statistics_canada, #canadian_demographics, #immigration_canada, #diversity_and_inclusion, #canadian_population, #multicultural_canada
October 31, 2025
