Canada Outlines Immigration Changes with Focus on Economic Growth and Francophone Communities
Make · Feb 16, 2026
The Canadian immigration program for the coming year, as presented by the new Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, includes targets set to strengthen the nation's economy through sustainable immigration levels. The strategy emphasizes economic immigration and the support of Francophone communities outside Quebec.
Key Takeaways
The main objectives include restoring control of the immigration system to meet labor market needs, prioritizing economic immigration to achieve nearly 65% representation by 2027, and enhancing Francophone communities with a 12% target for French-speaking admissions outside Quebec by 2029. Temporary residents in Canada will also be prioritized for permanent residency, reducing new arrivals to ease infrastructure pressure.