On This Page You Will Find
- Why provinces want larger PNP allocations
- Calls to reform Express Entry
- How temporary residents fit into future immigration plans
- Changes under discussion for international students
- The role of settlement funding and Francophone immigration
- What the meeting could mean for future immigration policy
Canada’s provinces and territories have renewed pressure on Ottawa to increase Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations and reform Express Entry, arguing that regional governments need greater control over economic immigration to address local labour shortages.
The calls came during a meeting of the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI), where federal, provincial and territorial ministers discussed priorities for the 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan.
While no immediate policy changes were announced, the discussions provide a clear indication of where governments are seeking changes as Canada continues to scale back immigration from record levels while attempting to meet labour market needs.
Provinces Renew Push For Larger PNP Allocations
Provincial and territorial ministers argued that PNPs remain the most effective tool for addressing regional labour shortages because they allow provinces to select candidates who meet local economic priorities.
They also called for larger PNP allocations, saying existing quotas do not provide enough flexibility to respond to employer demand.
The issue has become increasingly significant since Ottawa reduced provincial nominee admissions under the current Immigration Levels Plan. Many provinces have since warned that smaller allocations limit their ability to recruit skilled workers in sectors facing persistent shortages.
Ministers also requested greater transparency from the federal government on how PNP targets and allocations are determined, saying more predictable planning would help provinces develop longer-term immigration strategies.
Express Entry Could See Further Changes
Another significant discussion centred on Express Entry.
Ministers agreed that Canada’s flagship economic immigration system should continue evolving to better address regional labour market needs and improve newcomer outcomes.
Although no specific reforms were announced, the discussion suggests Ottawa may continue adapting Express Entry to complement provincial immigration priorities more closely.
Recent years have already seen major changes to the system through category-based selection and increased emphasis on Canadian work experience. The latest discussions indicate further refinements could be considered as governments seek better coordination between federal and provincial immigration programs.
Greater Focus On Temporary Residents Already In Canada
Ministers also discussed better coordination between permanent and temporary immigration pathways.
They highlighted the importance of helping temporary foreign workers and international students already living in Canada transition to permanent residence where labour market needs exist, while maintaining sustainable levels of new arrivals.
The discussion aligns with the federal government’s broader strategy of reducing overall temporary resident numbers while increasing opportunities for people who have already established themselves in Canada.
Provinces Want A Bigger Role In Student Immigration
Provincial and territorial ministers also agreed to continue collaborating with Ottawa on shaping the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
They said work permit rules should better reflect regional labour market needs, allowing provinces to attract graduates with skills that match local economic priorities.
The discussion follows a series of recent federal changes affecting international students and post-graduation work permits as Ottawa seeks to better align immigration with workforce demand.
Settlement Funding Remains A Concern
Beyond selection programs, provincial ministers called for increased federal settlement funding.
They argued that adequate funding for language training and newcomer settlement services is essential to support successful integration and long-term economic outcomes.
Ministers also stressed that provinces play a central role in helping newcomers settle successfully and said funding levels should reflect those responsibilities.
Francophone Immigration Continues To Be A Priority
The meeting also reaffirmed support for increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Ministers discussed ongoing work toward a renewed federal, provincial and territorial action plan designed to help Canada achieve its target of 12 per cent French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec by 2029.
A Clear Signal Ahead Of The Next Immigration Plan
The meeting produced no immediate policy announcements, but it highlighted growing provincial pressure for a larger role in shaping Canada’s immigration system.
Requests for increased PNP allocations, greater transparency over quota decisions and reforms to Express Entry all point toward continued negotiations ahead of the next Immigration Levels Plan.
Whether Ottawa agrees to restore provincial nominee allocations remains uncertain. However, the discussions suggest provinces are seeking a stronger voice in determining how economic immigration supports regional labour markets while Canada continues its transition toward more sustainable immigration levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are provinces asking for larger PNP allocations?
Provinces say the Provincial Nominee Program allows them to select immigrants with skills that match local labour shortages. They argue current allocations are too small to meet employer demand and want greater flexibility to recruit workers for key industries and regional economies.
Is Express Entry going to change?
No changes have been announced. However, federal, provincial and territorial ministers discussed reforming Express Entry to better reflect regional labour market needs. This suggests further changes could be considered as Ottawa develops future immigration policy.
Why are provinces interested in the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program?
Provincial governments want the program to better support regional economic priorities. They believe work permit rules should help retain graduates with skills that local employers need, improving the transition from international study to permanent residence.
Will Canada increase immigration again?
The federal government has committed to stabilizing permanent resident admissions at less than one per cent of Canada’s population beyond 2027 while reducing temporary residents to less than five per cent of the population by the end of 2027. Future immigration levels will be determined through the 2027 – 2029 Immigration Levels Plan.
What does this meeting mean for immigration applicants?
The discussions do not change existing immigration programs. However, they provide insight into future policy direction. Applicants may see further changes to Express Entry, provincial nominee programs and pathways for temporary residents as governments continue negotiations over Canada’s next immigration plan.