Premiers Want Immigration Limits, Experts Call for Open Talk

Some Canadian premiers want more control over immigration. They say each province knows what kind of workers it needs and should have more power to bring them in. These leaders believe they can fill local job gaps if they have a stronger voice in immigration decisions.

The request came after a recent meeting of provincial and territorial leaders. They also asked the federal government to raise the number of economic immigrants allowed each year.

However, experts say what Canada really needs is a national talk about immigration. They believe better planning and clear goals are more important than handing more control to provinces.

Experts Say Policies Lack Long-Term Planning

Michael Trebilcock, a retired immigration expert, says many immigration rules are made too quickly. He says there's not enough research on how different immigrant groups are doing in Canada. “It’s basically research-free,” he said.

He believes the current immigration system needs serious changes. Without proper reviews, it’s hard to know what’s working and what isn’t.

Ontario Wants Equal Treatment Like Quebec

Ontario Premier Doug Ford first said he wanted to issue work permits to asylum seekers. But later, he changed his mind. He said he doesn’t want full control, but wants the same kind of power that Quebec has.

Quebec controls its own immigration through a deal with the federal government. It focuses on bringing in people who speak French and match its specific needs.

Ontario’s immigration minister also wants more money from Ottawa. He says the province is struggling to support the growing number of asylum seekers, especially in areas like housing and health care.

Provinces Say They Know Their Needs Best

Ninette Kelley, a former immigration official, agrees provinces understand their local needs better. But she also points out that there’s been no real check on how provincial immigration programs are working.

Saskatchewan’s Immigration Minister Jim Reiter says provinces want to be true partners, not just observers. He wants more say in choosing immigrants who match each province’s job market.

Last year, the federal government cut the number of people allowed under the Provincial Nominee Program in half—from 110,000 to 55,000. This program lets provinces pick immigrants who fit their economic needs.

Cuts Affect Local Job Growth

Reiter says the cuts are hurting Saskatchewan’s ability to grow its economy. Right now, most of the spots they have must go to temporary workers. That limits how many skilled workers they can bring in.

He shared that a huge potash mine near Saskatoon struggles to find enough skilled tradespeople. The lack of workers is slowing down projects and hurting growth.

Experts Call for Better Cooperation

Trebilcock says immigration could help fill jobs in law, medicine, and trades. But foreign workers often face big problems getting their credentials accepted.

Kelley says federal and provincial governments must work closely together. They need to plan better, so new immigrants can get housing, health care, and other services when they arrive.

She says this kind of teamwork is key to running a successful immigration system.