Canada’s premiers seek increased authority over immigration, just like Quebec. The leaders of Canadian provinces met and discussed their shared priorities. They acknowledged that certain areas needed to be looked after urgently. Essentially, three of these areas concern immigration and are as follows:
- Developing a robust labor force.
- Enhancing healthcare.
- Combating housing requirements.
These premiers have been holding meetings annually in the form of the Council of Federation since 2003. They have been conducting these meetings to solidify interterritorial and interprovincial cooperation. Also, this will eventually advocate the bond between the federal and provincial governments.
Developing a strong labor force
The best-positioned to meet the demands of their respective labor markets and expanding economies, they pointed out, are the provinces and territories. They claim that this involves increasing international hiring, credential recognition, and skill development.
The Premiers claim they have urged the federal government to support their respective initiatives to address skills gaps through immigration by:
- Speeding up current pathways and increasing application processing to deal with specific labor market needs;
- Increasing the proportion of provincial and territorial Nominee Programs in the selection of economic immigrants;
- Developing new immigration pathways through partnership with provinces and territories to ensure alignment with Canadian labor market requirements.
- Increasing the responsibility and involvement of provinces and territories.
The Premiers have also urged the federal government to sign accords with the provinces comparable to the Canada-Quebec Accord regarding substance. The province of Quebec is now free to choose all economic immigrants and set its immigration policies according to this agreement.
Presently, all provinces and territories, except Quebec and Nunavut, have separate PNPs. Through these PNPs, each province and territory receives a certain number of nominations, which it can then distribute to the candidates it believes will best assist its economy and labor force.
Canada’s premiers seek increased authority over immigration – healthcare sector
The provinces assert that they are committed to taking additional steps to improve Canadians’ access to qualified healthcare workers. The recruitment, training, and retention of trained healthcare personnel fall under the purview of provincial and territorial governments. The provinces favor taking additional steps to simplify credential recognition and licensing for medical professionals who have received their education abroad.
The provinces state that they will be able to boost funds, hire more healthcare professionals, and enhance healthcare for Canadians. This will happen if they come together to petition the federal government. Such an act has been successful in the past, as seen by the provinces’ achievement of an increase in the health budget of $196 billion over the following ten years. Also, it includes $46.2 billion in additional financing due to last year’s summit.
Affordable Housing
By the end of 2025, Canada will welcome 500,000 new permanent residents annually. However, there is currently a lack of affordable housing. The Premiers have put up several ideas to help Canadians afford housing. Among the suggested actions are the following:
- Increasing its financial support for housing, including assistance services, operational funding, capital funding, and incentives to encourage the development of new supply;
- Ensuring that funding passes through provinces and territories rather than municipalities;
- Making sure that programs are adaptable, adequately funded, and tailored to the specific needs and priorities of provinces and territories;
- Streamline program administration and approval procedures through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
- Modify tax laws to encourage the construction of new homes. Furthermore, this implies particularly the creation and preservation of rental buildings exclusively for rental purposes.
These actions are thought to be necessary in light of Canada’s rising cost of living. In reality, on July 12, the overnight interest rate in Canada rose by.25 basis points to 5%. These rate increases, according to the Bank of Canada, are vital to reduce expenditure and decrease inflation.
Banks find borrowing money from other financial institutions (like the Bank of Canada) more costly when interest rates increase. Thus, this increased cost passes on to customers who need to take out loans such as mortgages.
Displaced Ukrainians can access an improved program
The Premiers also mentioned that the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program’s application deadline of July 15 is quickly approaching. They have stated that they don’t think the federal government has given the displaced Ukrainians in Canada enough money or help, and they’re asking for an improved support program with a new financial arrangement.
