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Latest edition – May 2017
This edition of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Newsletter features the following:
- More Express Entry changes under way
- The first joint national Forum on Francophone Immigration
- Did you know…? eTA expansion for Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania and the Canadian Charter’s 35th anniversary
- Featured video: Syrian children discover hockey
- Upcoming events and important dates
More Express Entry changes under way
In March, IRCC announced that more improvements are coming to Express Entry, the system used to manage applications for key economic immigration programs.
Starting June 6, 2017, candidates with strong French language skills will be awarded additional points. This change will contribute to the growth, vitality and prosperity of Francophone minority communities across Canada.
Other improvements planned for June include awarding points to candidates with siblings in Canada and allowing candidates to voluntarily register with Job Bank.
Associated links
- Canada to welcome more French-speaking skilled immigrants with new changes to Express Entry
- Backgrounder – Express Entry improvements: Spring 2017
The first joint national Forum on Francophone Immigration
The first joint Forum on Francophone Immigration between federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for Immigration and Ministers responsible for the Canadian Francophonie was held on March 31, 2017. The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Serge Cormier, both attended.
As part of this event, a new immigration agreement was put in place that will help New Brunswick address labour shortages and grow its population by welcoming more immigrants.
The agreement was signed in Moncton, New Brunswick, by the Honourable Ahmed Hussen and the Honourable Donald Arseneault, New Brunswick Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. It includes the first-ever French-Speaking Immigrants Annex, which outlines how Canada and New Brunswick will collaborate to promote, recruit, select and integrate French-speaking immigrants in New Brunswick.
Associated links
Did you know…?
- As of May 1, 2017, eligible citizens of Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania can apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. They will be eligible if they have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa. However, citizens of those countries will still need a visitor visa if they do not meet these criteria, or if they are travelling to Canada by car, bus, train or boat. Learn more.
- April 17, 2017, marked the 35th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Considered one of our country’s greatest accomplishments, the Charter protects our freedom of expression and the right to equality. It is the most recognized part of Canada’s Constitution – the highest law in Canada. Learn more about the Charter.
IRCC feature video
The IRCC video team produces dozens of informative and creative videos on a wide range of subjects of interest to the department, Canadians and our clients. We highlight one of their productions in each edition of our newsletter.
In this issue, we bring you Syrian children discover hockey.
Watch Syrian children having fun as they learn to skate and play hockey, thanks to an initiative of the Gloucester Centre Minor Hockey Association. The team is expanding each week as more and more Syrian boys and girls from the community become interested in learning to play Canada’s national winter sport.
Upcoming events and important dates
Mark your calendar! Below is a selection of upcoming special events and national celebrations.
May is Asian Heritage Month, a time to acknowledge the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada. Find out more about Asian Arts and Culture.
June 20 is World Refugee Day, a day that focuses the world’s attention on the plight of refugees and displaced people around the world, the causes of their exile, their resolve and will to survive and how they contribute to Canada.
On June 21, learn about National Aboriginal Day and celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada.
June 27 is Canadian Multiculturalism Day. Take the opportunity to celebrate our diversity and our commitment to democracy, equality and mutual respect, and to appreciate the contribution of multicultural groups and communities to Canadian society. Find out about events taking place near you: Celebrate Canada events – Canadian Multiculturalism Day.
Canada’s celebrations − You will soon be invited to spectacular festivities to mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Celebrate July 1 like never before! A full weekend of events in Canada’s Capital Region promise an exceptional Canada Day. Stay tuned for more details on these events – and find out more about Canada 150.