The Media Roundup provides links to recent and archived articles, in both English and French, on immigration and diversity appearing in the national and local news. Some international content is also included. Articles are updated weekly.
CIC News — Three regions announce details on new francophone pathway to permanent residence
Three regions in Canada have revealed details about a new pathway to permanent residence for French speakers. The FCIP, which launched earlier this year, is an employer-focused program. French-speaking foreign nationals who have an offer of employment in a community outside Quebec can get permanent residence (PR) through the pilot program, provided they meet other criteria. Six communities have been selected to participate in the FCIP. Only employers operating in at least one sector and hiring in a priority occupation are able to become designated employers for the FCIP. Foreign nationals need to have a job offer from a designated employer to be recommended for the FCIP by the community.
CBC News — 14 people and companies charged over alleged immigration scheme involving 2 P.E.I. farm operations
Fourteen people and companies with ties to Canadian Nectar Products and Island Gold Honey are facing charges under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in P.E.I. provincial court, with some of them also facing criminal charges for money laundering. In Georgetown court Thursday, a federal prosecutor told the court the case is based on what was found after eight search warrants were carried out. It also relies on electronic evidence, including text messages, gathered over the last number of years. Among those charged are Kamalpreet Khaira and his company, Canadian Nectar Products, as well as Roger O’Neill and his company, Island Gold Honey.
The Conversation — Canada’s proposed Strong Borders Act further threatens the legal rights of migrants
Canada’s federal government recently introduced the Strong Borders Act, also known as Bill C-2, that proposes Canada tighten migration controls and modernize border enforcement between Canada and the United States. Critics have warned the bill “could pave the way for mass deportations” as well as increase precarity for legal migrants. Even now, under existing laws, a migrant could be “legal” and still be denied health care, lose their job or effectively be unable to leave Canada for fear of being denied re-entry. Bill C-2’s expanded enforcement powers and increased risk of status revocation could make these precarities much worse.
CBC News — N.B. immigrant says pursuit of permanent residency was risky without paying for help
With the recent federal cuts to permanent residencies, Montiel said Canada’s immigration process has become more competitive and complex. Montiel said she spent about $5,000 on an immigration consultant and $2,000 more in processing fees to prepare and submit applications for herself and her two daughters. With the changes in immigration streams to focus on economic immigration, some immigrants have struggled and have gotten “stuck” in the process. To qualify, applicants need a year — 30 hours a week — of paid Canadian work experience under temporary resident status within the last three years. This experience must align with a national occupational classification job description.
CBC News — B.C. minister praises recruitment of health-care workers from U.S., with 780 applications in 2 months
British Columbia’s health minister says the province has received almost 780 job applications from qualified American health professionals as part of its recruitment campaign. Josie Osborne says more than 2,250 doctors, nurses and other health professionals have signed up for webinars and expressed interest in working in B.C. since March. Bylaw changes implemented by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. this month mean U.S.-trained doctors can become fully licensed in B.C. without further assessment if they hold certifications from various American medical boards.
Le Devoir — Nécessaires ou trop chères, les missions de recrutement à l’étranger ?
Alors que Québec instaurait déjà des resserrements à l’immigration temporaire, le même gouvernement a continué à dépenser des millions pour embaucher à l’étranger lors des Journées Québec. Des mesures de recrutement existent toujours dans d’autres ministères, pendant que l’avenir de ces missions du ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) fait encore l’objet d’une étude. Québec et Ottawa ont tour à tour gelé les embauches de travailleurs temporaires à bas salaire il y a près d’un an.
