Canada-Ontario Agreement Maximizes the Benefits of Immigration

Canada and Ontario are strengthening their partnership and collaboration to increase francophone immigration in support of a strong and prosperous economy. The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Honourable Laura Albanese, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today announced the signing of the annexes to the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement (COIA).

The 3 annexes set out Canada–Ontario collaboration on French-speaking immigrants, international students and the role of municipal governments as partners in immigration. The COIA agreement, which was signed in November 2017, will strengthen the long-term partnership between Ontario and Canada in welcoming and settling immigrants, boosting the economy and addressing shared humanitarian responsibilities.

The French-Speaking Immigrants annex relates to the promotion of Francophone immigration and the recruitment, selection, and integration of French-speaking immigrants. The Annex will help Canada and Ontario identify opportunities for increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants coming to Canada and Ontario, in order to achieve the parties’ respective French-speaking immigration targets.

The Partnership with Municipalities annex will facilitate collaboration of Ontario municipal governments with Canadaand Ontario on issues related to municipal interests in immigration, including the attraction and retention of immigrants, and the settlement and integration of newcomers.

Finally, the International Students annex seeks to facilitate the entry of international students into Ontario and their transition to post-graduation employment and/or permanent residency.

Quotes 

“Through these initiatives, the Governments of Canada and Ontario are demonstrating a commitment to cooperation to ensure the economic, social and cultural benefits of immigration are maximized in the province. Collaboration between the federal government and provincial partners is a crucial element of the ongoing success of Canada’s world-leading immigration system.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“Ontario welcomes more immigrants than any other province or territory. Through the signing of the 3 COIA Annexes, Ontario is better able to support municipalities, as well as attract a greater number of French-speaking newcomers, skilled-workers, and international students. While skilled newcomers deliver tremendous benefits by helping us meet our labour market needs and grow the economy, French-speaking newcomers and international students help diversify Ontario, raising its profile globally as a destination, both for higher-learning as well as career prospects.”
– The Honourable Laura Albanese, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

Quick facts

• The COIA will guide the relationship on immigration between Canada and Ontario for the next 5 years.
• Ontario is home to 622,415 Francophones, the largest population in Canada outside of Quebec.
• Ontario has 26 French-language designated areas where Francophones can access government services in French.
• Ontario received 156,670 international students in 2017, accounting for 49.2% of all international students in Canada.