Ontario Eyes New Immigration Talent and Investor Streams in 2026 Under Bill 30
Ontario Immigration Minister David Piccini says Bill 30 will give the province the tools to create new immigration pathways that respond directly to labour market needs and international investment opportunities. Speaking in the Ontario Legislative Assembly, he said the legislation will allow Ontario to recognise global talent more effectively while strengthening the integrity of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
On This Page You Will Find
- Background on Ontario’s Bill 30
- Key immigration changes in the legislation
- Piccini’s comments on new OINP talent streams
- Why Ontario wants more flexibility in immigration
- Frequently asked questions
Background on Bill 30
Bill 30 – the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 – is the latest in a series of labour and employment reforms introduced by the Ontario government. Although much of the bill focuses on workplace safety, worker protection and skills development, it also includes significant amendments to Ontario’s immigration framework.
The bill proposes new enforcement powers, measures to fight fraud in employment and immigration, and – most notably – authority for the immigration minister to create new OINP streams without needing separate legislative changes. This would allow Ontario to respond faster to emerging economic needs and talent gaps.
Minister Piccini’s Immigration Comments: Key Themes
New Authority to Create Immigration Streams
Piccini said Bill 30 “addresses a number of things … fraud in the employment and immigration sectors” and, importantly, gives the minister formal authority to create new OINP streams. This power would allow Ontario to design immigration pathways tailored to fast-changing industry needs, from hospitality and tourism to research and advanced manufacturing.
He emphasised that Ontario must be able to act quickly to attract investors and skilled individuals. “At a time when we want to attract international investment, we’ve got to take steps,” he said.
Recognising Investors and Global Talent
Piccini highlighted gaps in the current OINP structure using the example of Enrico, an Italian immigrant who built a major bakery business in Ontario but struggled to find an immigration stream that recognised his investment and job creation.
The minister said Ontario needs pathways that recognise a broader range of international talent, including:
- Investors who create significant economic impact
- Artists and cultural contributors
- Michelin-level chefs and culinary experts
- Specialists such as sushi chefs highlighted by foreign governments
- Leading researchers and innovators
He called this a shift toward “recognising excellence” and said a new talent stream would be designed to capture individuals who advance Ontario’s cultural, economic and research sectors.
Strengthening Integrity and Requiring In-Person Interviews
Bill 30 also includes updated powers to require in-person interviews and strengthen fraud prevention. Piccini said these measures aim to ensure that “employers receive the skills, credible applicants and those whose skills they need.”
He positioned the reforms as part of restoring confidence and integrity in Ontario’s immigration processes while still pursuing flexibility and innovation.
Why Ontario Wants New Streams Now
Ontario faces rising labour shortages, increasing international investment competition, and ongoing demand in sectors such as hospitality, trades, health care, and advanced technology. The province also continues to request larger OINP allocations from the federal government.
Piccini said Ontario must be able to “proactively respond to evolving labour market needs,” and Bill 30 is designed to remove structural barriers that limit the province’s ability to shape its own immigration strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What immigration changes are included in Bill 30?
Bill 30 allows the minister to create new OINP streams, strengthens fraud prevention and introduces the ability to require in-person interviews. These changes are designed to improve flexibility, modernise Ontario’s immigration tools and better match newcomers with labour market needs. It also supports broader measures aimed at preventing abuse in employment and immigration.
Why does Ontario want authority to create new immigration streams?
Labour shortages and global competition for talent are evolving too quickly for slow legislative processes. Allowing the minister to create streams directly enables Ontario to respond faster. This includes attracting investors, cultural contributors, chefs, researchers and other specialists who do not fit existing pathways but can significantly benefit the province.
What is the new “talent stream” Piccini referred to?
The talent stream is a proposed new OINP pathway that would recognise high-value global contributors such as artists, Michelin-level chefs, major investors and researchers. While details are not final, Piccini said it will help Ontario recognise excellence and attract individuals who boost tourism, innovation and economic growth.
How does Bill 30 address fraud in immigration?
The bill strengthens enforcement powers and allows the ministry to require in-person interviews when necessary. It also supports broader integrity measures across employment and immigration. These tools help verify legitimacy, protect workers and ensure employers receive qualified, credible candidates.
When will the new immigration streams be introduced?
Piccini said he “looks forward to introducing some new streams soon,” but did not give a timeline. Once Bill 30 becomes law, the minister will have the authority to design and launch new streams without additional legislative approval, meaning changes could begin relatively quickly.
