Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marco E. L. Mendicino, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair and Health Minister Patty Hajdu today announced that, in addition to the border restrictions that remain in place, the Government of Canada is further strengthening the public health presence at the border and enhancing quarantine monitoring. The government is also increasing the use of digital forms and processes to allow critical information to be shared more quickly with provinces and territories. In addition, a process is being introduced to support enhanced family reunification, including those in long-term exclusive relationships, international students and entry for compassionate reasons.

In response to COVID 19, Canada has established a multi-layered system, including robust quarantine measures and travel restrictions. These measures have been effective in helping to protect the health and safety of Canadians.

Today, as we celebrate the International Day of Peace and as the United Nations marks its 75th anniversary, we are reminded that the rules-based international order offers our best hope of both achieving peace and ending this pandemic. Peaceful cooperation is behind many of our greatest successes globally, nationally and within our communities.

Visitors who are currently in Canada and have a valid job offer will be able to apply for an employer-specific work permit and, if approved, receive the permit without having to leave the country, thanks to a new public policy announced today by the Honourable Marco E.L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued the following statement: