Resource Topics Immigration

February 11, 2022

Supporting immigrants and international students key to Canada’s economic future

This op-ed was originally published by Canadian Immigrant on February 10, 2022. Canada needs more immigrants. After nearly two years of pandemic completely upending the labour market, it has become clear that we need to draw in more international talent. With this comes a responsibility to support newcomers throughout their integration - a challenge our communities are well equipped to overcome thanks to Canada’s network of colleges, CEGEPs, institutes and polytechnics. Canada is facing a demographic cliff: an aging population coupled with low birthrate that will critically impact our available workforce. Forty years ago, there were seven workers to... Read more

November 30, 2021

International experience wanted: studies abroad are good for Canada

This joint op-ed with Universities Canada was initially published in the Ottawa Citizen on November 27, 2021. A peculiarity of staying close to home in these pandemic times is that it’s made the world seem smaller. Alone on our screens we’ve seen how connected we are as inhabitants of this planet. We’ve felt the evidence in our own neighbourhoods of global warming and the effects of wildfires thousands of kilometres away. We’ve paid more for food and joined wait lists for electronics triggered by international supply chain issues. And, of course, we’ve watched infection spread from country to country,... Read more

October 19, 2021

Colleges and institutes support immigrant integration for Canadian prosperity

Ottawa, October 19, 2021 – A new report by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) outlines how members help Canada achieve its ambitious immigration targets, while supporting the integration of immigrants and international students, and improving their labour market outcomes. Against the background of an economy looking to rebound post-COVID-19, Canada announced ambitious new immigration targets, aiming to bring in over 400,000 new permanent residents each year from 2021-2023. Tapping into the global talent pipeline is an important step to support ongoing economic prosperity as the population ages and birthrate remains low. But for Canada to truly benefit from this new human... Read more

July 7, 2021

CICan to support greater equity, diversity and inclusion with ImpAct-EDI

Ottawa, July 7, 2021 – As part of its commitment to support equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), as well as promoting greater access to post-secondary education for all, Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) has launched ImpAct-EDI. This new national initiative will facilitate the sharing of best practices and promote a coordinated approach to foster a culture of inclusion specific to the college and institute system. ImpAct-EDI will be based on three main initiatives: a new National EDI Advisory Committee that will provide guidance to the association, a CICan Centre of Excellence on EDI, and the creation of a new community... Read more

June 1, 2021

The Role of International Students in supporting Canada’s immigration and inclusive economic growth objectives

This policy brief provides the context and rationale for nine (9) policy and operational recommendations to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and other federal departments and details the national infrastructure colleges and institutes provide for regional economic recovery and skilled labour immigration. These recommendations were developed in consultation with Colleges and Institutes Canada’s (CICan) board, member institutions, including regional groups/associations and CICan’s International Advisory Group.

May 13, 2020

Leveraging international education for a globally connected and prosperous Canada

This joint op-ed with Universities Canada was originally published in iPolitics on May 11, 2020. Canadians understand the importance of welcoming individuals from all around the world to our country. Canada is a desirable destination for trade, travel, study and immigration. We know that our prosperity and international competitiveness rely on being open to people and opportunity from every corner of the world. The COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis without modern equivalent. The actions Canada takes post-emergency can set the foundation for a sustainable growth and recovery with global opportunity in mind. We believe that Canada’s colleges and... Read more

February 21, 2020

Innovative Collaborations: Working together to promote education and strengthen the study permit application process

In June 2018, Immigration Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched the Study Direct Stream (SDS) in China, India, Vietnam and the Philippines. To support the growth in study permit applications, students from those countries can benefit from faster processing times by demonstrating upfront that they have the financial resources and language skills to succeed academically in Canada. A significant development for Canada’s international education industry, many have wondered, how was SDS developed and why those four countries?

January 22, 2019

CIIP signs new four-year agreement with IRCC for continued pre-arrival services

Ottawa, January 22, 2019 – Colleges and Institutes Canada’s (CICan) Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP) was selected to be among 16 service providers to offer future Canadians services as part of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) renewed pre-arrival program. CIIP (also known as Planning for Canada) provides Economic-Class and Family-Class immigrants with in-person and online pre-arrival group information sessions, as well as individualized planning sessions to support their social and economic success in Canada. The new agreement, announced today at CICan’s offices in Ottawa by the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, is part of a... Read more

August 10, 2016

IRCC Consultation: How can we continue to grow our country using the Immigration System?

Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan, previously known as ACCC) is the national not-for-profit membership association representing Canada’s public colleges, institutes, cégeps and polytechnics. CICan is committed to quality education and skills development opportunities for all Canadians as a means to maximize labour market participation, support Canada’s prosperity and nurture global citizenship. Colleges and institutes serve over 3,000 communities in urban, rural and remote areas all across the country, serving 1.5 million Canadians every year. We are recognized around the world for partnerships with industry, providing tailored curriculum, partnered research and work-integrated learning opportunities for students. We work collaboratively with community partners to provide immigrants and refugees with the training and support services they need... Read more

December 1, 2015

CICan and the IOM join forces to support immigrant integration

Ottawa, December 1, 2015 – Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are launching a new joint initiative: Planning for Canada. This groundbreaking partnership builds on years of experience providing pre-arrival support to individuals and families preparing for their move to Canada. Planning for Canada will help newcomers find work that reflects their skills and education, and assist them in making informed settlement decisions. The program will be offered in-person in 12 countries, with the capacity... Read more