Canadian Federal Budget 2021: How will it affect immigration policies?

The Canadian government finally presents Federal Budget 2021 and all eyes are on this budget as it may have several implications for Canada's immigration system. It was the first Budget since 2019. This major announcement usually takes place in the first quarter of each year, however, it did not take place last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Canadian federal budget receives a lot of attention domestically since it contains the policy priorities the government will pursue, the government’s spending and revenue projections, as well as an overview of the state of the Canadian economy.

HOW WILL IT AFFECT IMMIGRATION POLICIES?

Here are the immigration priorities outlined in Budget 2021. It is important to note that these are proposals and the Budget needs to win the approval of the majority of Parliament for the Liberals to go ahead and pursue these priorities. It is likely that Parliament will pass this Budget since defeating it would trigger an election, an outcome that Canada’s federal parties likely do not want while the country continues to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Investment o $430 million to modernize IT infastructure

The federal government is planning to modernize its information technology (IT) infrastructure. The Budget calls for the investment to replace the Global Case Management System (GCMS), which is used to manage immigration applications. The purpose of the investment, according to the Budget, includes allowing the federal government to respond to higher levels of foreign national arrivals in the future, better security, and improved application processing.

Reforms to Express Entry

The Budget notes that the federal government has an eye towards reforming Express Entry. The government would like to give the immigration minister more authority to “select those candidates who best meet Canada’s labor market needs.” What these changes may involve is currently not specified in the Budget.

Supporting Racialized Newcomer Women

Newcomer women sometimes face barriers to employment in Canada due to factors such as developing English or French skills, lack of Canadian experience, lack of affordable child care, and discrimination. The Budget proposes an additional $15 million in spending over the next two years to build on existing initiatives aimed at helping to improve the employment outcomes and career advancement of newcomer women.

Enhanced Pathways to Permanent Residence

Budget 2021 references the new immigration programs launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) last week to provide accelerated permanent residence pathways to essential workers and international graduates this year. IRCC is planning to enable 90,000 individuals living in Canada to begin to apply for permanent residence beginning on May 6.

Source & Credits: IRCC Officials

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