Dear Minister Boissonnault,
On behalf of the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA), we extend our warmest congratulations on your recent appointment as the new Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages. We eagerly welcome your leadership and vision as we navigate the ongoing challenges in the Canadian labour market.
As a rapidly growing organization with close to 500 members, CILA takes immense pride in promoting
excellence in immigration law and advocating for just and inclusive immigration policies. Our diverse
membership of dedicated legal professionals across the country is committed to supporting the Government of Canada in creating a fair, efficient, and compassionate immigration system that serves the interests of all Canadians.
We commend your dedication to public service and your global advocacy for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals
worldwide. Your expertise and contributions in protecting and promoting the rights of the 2SLGBTQI+
community in Canada have undoubtedly contributed to making our nation a safe haven for those fleeing
discrimination and persecution for their sexual orientation.
As a seasoned business advisor, you understand the vital role of maintaining a skilled workforce to foster
prosperity and growth. As Canada grapples with acute labour shortages across key sectors and regions, the efforts and policies adopted by your department have the potential to mitigate the strain that skill shortages imposed on Canadian businesses. Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA’s) play a crucial role in supporting employers to attract and retain key talent both domestically and internationally, and they are equally vital for many applicants seeking permanent residence in Canada.
CILA’s diverse membership represents companies of all sizes and sectors across Canada. We are uniquely positioned to provide valuable insights and balanced perspectives regarding the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) criteria and client experience. Ensuring that policies and programs are current with employment and business realities is integral to supporting IRCC in achieving Canada’s immigration levels plan.
As practitioners, we witness firsthand the impact that well-crafted labour market programs and immigration policies can have on the Canadian businesses and economic prosperity. The Global Talent Stream is a prime example. Our association has actively participated in various discussions pertaining to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and considered a reliable source of expertise for policymakers and legislators.
In light of our shared goals to ensure Canadian companies thrive, I would like to invite you and members of your team to a meeting with CILA’s Board of Directors. During this meeting, we hope to discuss pressing concerns of our membership and explore ways to enhance Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) efforts in supporting Canada’s labour market.
As we prioritize key issues affecting immigration in Canada, we wish to highlight the following areas that are of utmost importance to CILA and our membership:
1. Implementing a Trusted Employer System: We urge the prioritization of introducing a trusted employer model into the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This system would allow ESDC to process select LMIA applications faster and more efficiently, benefitting both employers and departmental resources.
2. Developing a Comprehensive Remote Work Policy: We request the introduction of a clear and
comprehensive universal remote work policy under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Such a
policy is crucial in the current business environment, where remote work options play a significant role
in attracting and retaining skilled talent.
3. Establishing a National List of Occupations with Waived Recruitment Requirements: ESDC must
recognize that vacancy rates are specific to certain occupations and economic sectors. We propose the
development of a national list of occupations where recruitment requirements are waived, considering
the current labour market conditions.
4. Accelerating LMIA Processing Times: Protracted processing times for LMIA applications hinder the
ability of Canadian companies to meet their business needs. By speeding up LMIA processing times,
ESDC can support IRCC in achieving Canada’s immigration objectives.
Members of CILA’s Board of Directors are eager to delve into these suggestions and offer fresh ideas on how ESDC’s work can complement and support Canada’s overall immigration strategy. We believe that collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful improvements in the programs delivered by ESDC, ultimately benefiting both Canadian businesses and newcomers.
We highly value your expertise and look forward to the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue with you and your team. Our aim is to create a fair and efficient immigration system that serves the best interests of all Canadians.
Thank you for considering our request for a meeting. We believe that together, we can shape a more inclusive and prosperous future for Canada.
Yours truly,
Ravi Jain
Co-President, Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA)
Betsy Kane
Vice President Government Relations, Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA)
