Category: GTR Immigration

Saskatchewan is actively pursuing a two-year work permit extension for skilled temporary foreign workers whose permits are set to expire in 2024 or 2025. This initiative aims to provide these workers with additional time to secure permanent residency and to support employers facing labor shortages.

Background and Rationale

The federal government’s recent decision to reduce Saskatchewan’s immigration quota to 3,600 has significantly impacted the province’s ability to retain skilled workers. Given that over 90% of Saskatchewan’s economic newcomers arrive through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), this reduction poses challenges for both workers and employers. In response, Saskatchewan’s Immigration and Career Training Minister, Jim Reiter, is seeking a similar arrangement to Manitoba’s, which allows temporary workers to extend their permits until the end of 2025 .

Proposed Extension Details

Jim Reiter, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Immigration and Career Training, is leading efforts to negotiate with the federal government for a two-year work permit extension. The proposed extension would apply to workers who:

• – Had a valid Saskatchewan work permit as of May 7, 2024

• – Are currently employed in the province

• – Are prospective SINP nominees

If approved, eligible workers would apply through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and, upon approval, receive a two-year open work permit. This permit would allow them to continue working in Saskatchewan while pursuing permanent residency .

Impact on Employers and Workers

The proposed extension is expected to benefit sectors experiencing labor shortages, such as healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades. It would also alleviate stress for workers facing the expiration of their permits without a clear path to permanent residency. Employers would retain experienced staff, ensuring continuity and stability in their operations .

Next Steps

For Workers:

• – Verify that your work permit was valid on May 7, 2024, and check its expiration date.
• – Ensure you are currently employed in Saskatchewan.
• – Stay informed about updates from the SINP and IRCC regarding the extension process.

For Employers:

• – Identify employees who may be eligible for the extension.
• – Prepare to provide necessary documentation or support letters if required.
• – Monitor communications from provincial authorities for further guidance.

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a mandatory public pension system designed to provide retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to Canadian workers. Managed by CPP Investments (officially known as the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board or CPPIB), this Crown corporation operates independently from the federal government, focusing solely on investing CPP contributions to ensure long-term financial sustainability for over 22 million Canadians .

CPP Investments’ Global Recognition

CPP Investments has once again been recognized as one of the world’s top-performing pension funds. According to Global SWF’s May 2025 report, it ranked second among 25 global pension funds for 10-year returns from 2015 to 2024, delivering an average annual return of 9.19%, just behind Sweden’s AP7 fund .

This strong performance reflects the resilience of CPP Investments’ diversified portfolio and disciplined long-term investment strategy. With investments across a wide range of asset classes, sectors, and geographical markets, the fund aims to maximize returns without taking excessive risk, ensuring the CPP remains a reliable source of retirement income for generations of Canadians .

In addition to its investment performance, CPP Investments has been lauded for its governance and transparency. The 2024 Global Pension Transparency Benchmark ranked CPP Investments second overall, just behind Norway’s Government Pension Fund, and awarded it a perfect score of 100 in governance. This achievement reflects excellence in areas such as structure and mission, board competency, and organizational strategy, alongside high praise for cost transparency .

As of December 31, 2024, CPP Investments reported net assets of $699.6 billion, reaching this milestone five years ahead of projections by the Office of the Chief Actuary of Canada. This growth was driven by strong returns in private equity and credit investments, despite challenges in fixed income assets due to rising US Treasury yields .

Furthermore, CPP Investments has been recognized for its significant private equity allocations. In 2024, it had the largest allocation among global pension funds, with US$143.86 billion invested in private equity, representing over 24% of its total assets. This strategic allocation has contributed to its robust performance and resilience in varying market conditions .

Overall, CPP Investments’ consistent high rankings in performance, governance, and transparency underscore its role as a global leader in pension fund management.

On May 15, 2025, Prince Edward Island (PEI) updated its list of designated employers under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), adding 20 new employers and removing 14, bringing the total to 364 designated employers.

Newly Designated Employers

*The operating name for 100367 PEI Inc. is The Pilot House (restaurant and bar).

**100542 PEI Inc.’s operating name is FastSigns, a company offering custom signs and graphic solutions.

***9892788 Canada Inc. is Stay Golden Customs, a merchandising and branding solutions company.

Employers in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, construction, and manufacturing are emphasized in this update.

Employers Removed from the List

The 14 employers no longer designated include:

Program Restrictions

Due to a high volume of applications and a reduced federal allocation for 2025, PEI is currently accepting AIP applications only from workers in high-demand sectors: healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. Job offers from designated employers outside these sectors are not being endorsed at this time.

Eligibility for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

To qualify for the AIP, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Work Experience: At least 1,560 hours of paid work experience in the past five years. This can include part-time or full-time work, but not self-employment or unpaid internships.

• Education: A Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential.

• Language Proficiency: Meet minimum language requirements in English or French, corresponding to the job’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) level.

• Settlement Funds: Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada, unless already residing and working in Canada with a valid work permit .

How to Apply for Permanent Residence through the AIP

The application process involves several key steps:

1. Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces.

2. Develop a Settlement Plan: Work with a designated settlement service provider to create a plan that outlines how you and your family will integrate into the community.

3. Obtain Provincial Endorsement: The employer will submit an endorsement application to the respective provincial government on your behalf.

4. Apply for Permanent Residence: Once endorsed, apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. You may also be eligible to apply for a temporary work permit while your PR application is processed .

Lena Metlege Diab has been appointed as Canada’s new Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, effective May 13, 2025. This appointment comes as part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s post-election cabinet reshuffle, where Diab replaces Rachel Bendayan in this pivotal role .

Background and Experience

Born in Halifax to Lebanese immigrant parents, Diab moved to Lebanon at age two but returned to Canada at eleven to escape the Lebanese Civil War. She holds degrees in economics, political science, public administration, and law from Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University. Her professional background includes practicing law and operating a small business in Halifax .

Diab’s political career began in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, where she served from 2013 to 2021. During her tenure, she held multiple cabinet positions, including Minister of Justice, Attorney General, and notably, Minister of Immigration. In 2021, she transitioned to federal politics, representing Halifax West in the Canadian Parliament.

Implications for Immigration Policy

Diab’s extensive experience in immigration at the provincial level suggests a continued focus on structured immigration policies. Her tenure is expected to emphasize attracting French-speaking immigrants and streamlining permanent residency processes for individuals already residing in Canada.

Prime Minister Carney’s administration aims to balance economic growth with sustainable immigration levels, addressing housing and infrastructure challenges. Diab’s appointment aligns with this vision, potentially leading to policies that prioritize current residents and skilled workers .

Community and Sector Reactions

The international education sector has welcomed Diab’s appointment, anticipating positive developments for international students and educational institutions. Her previous role as Nova Scotia’s immigration minister, where she served for eight years, is seen as a valuable asset in addressing the needs of newcomers and the education sector .

Steinbach, Manitoba, has officially launched its participation in Canada’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), unveiling priority sectors and occupations eligible for this new pathway to permanent residence. This employer-driven initiative aims to address local labor shortages by attracting skilled foreign workers to settle in Steinbach and its surrounding areas, including the Rural Municipalities of Ste. Anne, Piney, La Broquerie, and the urban districts of Landmark and Vita .

Priority Sectors

Steinbach has identified five key sectors reflecting its regional labor market needs:

• – Health
• – Education, Law, and Social, Community, and Government Services
• – Sales and Service
• – Trades and Transport
• – Manufacturing and Utilities

Eligible Occupations

Applicants must secure a job offer from a designated employer within these sectors. Some of the approved occupations, along with their National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 codes, include:

Application Process

To be eligible for the RCIP in Steinbach, candidates must:

Obtain a job offer from a designated employer in one of the approved sectors.

• – Have at least one year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience within the last three years.
• – Meet language proficiency requirements.
• – Possess a Canadian educational credential or an equivalent foreign credential.
• – Demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their family upon settling in the community.

It’s important to note that the RCIP is employer-driven; candidates must secure employment before applying. The Steinbach Economic Development Corporation (SED) oversees the program locally, with the first candidate recommendation intake period beginning on June 1, 2025

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has officially unveiled its list of 25 priority occupations eligible for permanent residency under the 2025 Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), which replaces the former Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). This initiative aims to attract skilled workers to support the city’s economic growth and address labor shortages.

Priority Occupations for 2025

The RCIP targets a diverse range of sectors, including healthcare, engineering, trades, social services, and hospitality. Below is the complete list of eligible occupations along with their corresponding National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes:

2025 Application Intake Periods

Applications for the RCIP in Sault Ste. Marie will be accepted during the following two-week periods:

– April 27 – May 10

– May 25 – June 7

– June 22 – July 5

– July 20 – August 2

– August 17 – August 30

– September 14 – September 27

– October 12 – October 25

– November 9 – November 22

Each intake window provides applicants with ample time to prepare and submit their applications.

Eligibility Criteria for the RCIP in Sault Ste. Marie

To qualify for the RCIP, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Valid Job Offer

   • Secure a full-time, non-seasonal, indeterminate job offer from a designated employer within Sault Ste. Marie.

   • The job must be in one of the 25 priority occupations and offer at least 30 paid hours per week. 

2. Work Experience

   • Have at least one year (1,560 hours) of related work experience in the past three years.

   • The experience must align with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category of the job offer. 

3. Language Proficiency

   • Demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking an approved language test.

   • The required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level depends on the TEER category of the job:

     • TEER 0 or 1: CLB 6

     • TEER 2 or 3: CLB 5

     • TEER 4 or 5: CLB 4 

4. Education

   • Possess a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential validated by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). 

5. Settlement Funds

   • Provide proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members during the transition to the community.

6. Community Recommendation

   • Obtain a recommendation from the Sault Ste. Marie community, which assesses factors such as the validity of the job offer, alignment with priority sectors, work experience, and ties to the community. 

7. International Students

   • Graduates from a public post-secondary institution in Sault Ste. Marie may be exempt from the work experience requirement if they meet specific criteria, including program length and residency during studies.

Sault Ste. Marie has been allocated 300 spots under the RCIP for 2025. The program is managed by the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation and aims to strengthen the local workforce by providing businesses with greater capacity to recruit and retain skilled talent.

Thunder Bay, Ontario, has officially announced its list of designated employers participating in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), a program designed to attract skilled foreign workers to address labor shortages in smaller Canadian communities. This initiative offers a pathway to permanent residency (PR) for individuals who secure job offers from these designated employers.

Designated Employers in Thunder Bay

The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) has designated a diverse group of employers across various sectors. Some of the designated employers include:

This list represents a range of industries, including retail, food services, transportation, healthcare, and more, reflecting Thunder Bay’s commitment to addressing labor shortages across multiple sectors.

How the RCIP Works

The RCIP is an employer-driven program, meaning that foreign nationals cannot apply directly. Instead, designated employers in Thunder Bay must initiate the application process by submitting a candidate’s profile to the CEDC for community recommendation. Once approved, the candidate receives a recommendation certificate, which they can use to apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Priority Sectors and Occupations

To become a designated employer under the RCIP, businesses must operate in one of the following priority sectors:

• – Business, Finance, and Administration
• – Health Occupations
• – Education, Law, Social, Community, and Government Services
• – Sales and Service
• – Trades, Transport, and Equipment Operation.

Additionally, they must have a full-time, permanent position available in one of the specified priority occupations, such as Financial Advisors, Administrative Assistants, Registered Nurses, Early Childhood Educators, Cooks, and Retail Sales Supervisors.

As of May 1, 2025, international students in Canada face new requirements when transferring between Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Previously, students could change DLIs by updating their information online with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Now, most students must apply for and obtain a new study permit before enrolling at a new institution.

Key Changes Effective May 1, 2025

• Mandatory Study Permit Extension: Students wishing to transfer to a different DLI at the post-secondary level must apply for a new study permit by extending their current one. This process includes submitting a new Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the intended institution and, if applicable, a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL).

• End of Temporary Relief Measures: Between November 8, 2024, and April 30, 2025, IRCC allowed certain students to begin studies at a new DLI while their study permit extension was in process. This temporary relief has ended; students must now wait for approval before starting at the new institution .

Scenarios Requiring a New Study Permit

• Transferring Between Post-Secondary DLIs: Any change from one post-secondary DLI to another necessitates a new study permit.

• Moving from Secondary to Post-Secondary Education: Students transitioning from high school to college or university must apply for a new study permit.

• Switching from Post-Secondary to Secondary Education: A new study permit is required when moving from a post-secondary institution back to a secondary-level school .

Exceptions to the New Requirements

Students may begin studies at a new DLI before receiving a new study permit only if all the following conditions are met:

• – They have remained in Canada since receiving the LOA from the new DLI.

• – They continue to meet all conditions of their current study permit.

• – Their previous DLI has closed, discontinued their program, been placed on the suspension list, or lost its designated status

Required Documentation for Study Permit Extension

When applying to extend a study permit due to a DLI change, students must provide:

• – A letter explaining the reason for changing schools.
• – A new, valid PAL/TAL, unless exempt.
• – A new LOA from the intended DLI.
• – Additional documents if they wish to begin studying at the new DLI while the application is in progress

Implications of Non-Compliance

Failing to adhere to these new regulations can result in:

– Violation of study permit conditions.

– Invalidation or cancellation of the study permit.

• – Potential removal from Canada or future inadmissibility for study or work permits

Recommendations for Students

• Plan Ahead: Begin the application process for a study permit extension as soon as you decide to transfer schools.

• Verify DLI Status: Ensure the new institution is on the official DLI list and not on the suspension list.

• Consult Resources: Seek guidance from your current institution’s international student office or consult with immigration professionals to navigate the process effectively.

Claresholm, Alberta, has officially announced its priority sectors and occupations under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), providing a new pathway to permanent residency (PR) for skilled foreign workers. This initiative aims to address local labor shortages by attracting talent to Claresholm and its surrounding areas, including Granum and Stavely.

Priority sectors and occupations

These sectors have been identified based on the community’s labor market needs. Employers operating within these industries are eligible to participate in the RCIP by offering job opportunities to foreign workers.

For 2025, Claresholm has been allocated 30 RCIP slots, distributing three per month. Notably, the Sales and Service sector is capped at five allocations for the year.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To qualify for the RCIP in Claresholm, candidates must:

• – Secure a job offer from a designated employer within one of the priority sectors.
• – Possess at least one year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience in the past three years or meet the criteria for the international graduate exemption.
• – Meet language proficiency requirements.
• – Hold a Canadian educational credential or its foreign equivalent.
• – Demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their family during the transition.

Only employers operating within the identified priority sectors are eligible for designation under the RCIP. Once designated, these employers can offer positions to foreign workers, facilitating their application for PR through the pilot.

Canada has recently elected Mark Carney as its new Prime Minister following a pivotal federal election on April 28, 2025. Carney, a former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, led the Liberal Party to a fourth consecutive term in government, marking a significant political comeback after trailing in the polls earlier this year. His leadership signifies a shift in both domestic and foreign policy, particularly in response to escalating tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump.

Who is Mark Carney?

Born on March 16, 1965, in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Carney boasts an impressive background in economics and finance. He served as the Governor of the Bank of Canada from 2008 to 2013 and later as the Governor of the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020, becoming the first non-British citizen to hold the latter position. Despite his extensive experience in global finance, Carney was a newcomer to elected politics before his recent ascent to the prime ministership.

How Did He Become Prime Minister?

Carney’s political journey began in early 2025 amid a leadership crisis within the Liberal Party. Following the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Carney was elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party on March 9, 2025. He was sworn in as Prime Minister on March 14, 2025.​

In the federal election held on April 28, 2025, Carney led the Liberal Party to a surprising victory, securing 168 seats—just short of a majority in the 338-seat House of Commons. This outcome marked the Liberals’ fourth consecutive term in government.

What Is His Political Agenda?

Carney’s campaign focused on defending Canadian sovereignty and reducing economic dependence on the United States. This stance resonated with voters, especially in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies and controversial remarks suggesting Canada could become the 51st U.S. state. ​

As Prime Minister, Carney aims to:​

• – Renegotiate trade and security arrangements with the U.S.​
• – Shift Canada’s economic focus towards Europe and Asia.​
• – Bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce trade reliance on the U.S.​
• – Adopt a pragmatic stance on climate policies, moving away from unpopular carbon taxes to support resource development.

Carney’s leadership marks a departure from decades of trade diplomacy and integration with the U.S., signaling a new strategic posture for Canada on the global stag.