The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration met virtually today to talk about the role of immigration at this unprecedented moment in Canadian history. Immigration was a Canadian advantage before the pandemic, immigrants are helping Canadians through the pandemic right now and immigration will be critical to Canada’s economic recovery. The federal, provincial and territorial ministers agreed to continue building a strong immigration system Canadians value and trust.

International students make immense cultural and social contributions to Canada, and generate more than $21 billion in economic activity. Since the onset of the pandemic, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has made a number of temporary policy changes to support and reassure international students and learning institutions.

The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement:

Ministers Mendicino, Champagne and Gould mark World Refugee Day “For generations, Canada has been a strong and unwavering voice of support for refugees. Our country is known around the world as a welcoming place for those fleeing conflict and persecution.