People worldwide are on the move at an unprecedented level. Some are seeking better opportunities, others are fleeing conflict and persecution to find safety. In 2016, with the unanimous consent of member states, the United Nations set out two processes to find areas where states could work together for safe, orderly and regular migration and for refugee protection.

Between May 2018 and March 2019, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration undertook a broad study of the challenges and opportunities that the current global migration situation may present for Canada.

This report is divided into four chapters. Chapter one explains migration trends. It looks at situations across the world, why people are on the move and who they are. In general terms, although the economy in the West continues to be attractive for migrants, most migration happens at the local or regional level.

Chapter two sets out the framework underpinning Canada’s immigration system. The multi-year Immigration Levels Plan of admissions for new permanent residents is a policy tool that factors in considerations such as labour market gaps. As a result, a mix of people arrive in Canada to settle through the various programs such as economic class, family class and refugee class. There are also temporary workers who are regulated by different programs. The Committee heard that other countries look to the Canadian model when designing their own immigration programs, implying that Canada has best practices that it can share with the international community, although witnesses indicated that some changes could make it better.

As part of its recommendations, the Committee highlights newcomers’ contributions to Canada’s labour force and its economic success. Temporary foreign workers play an important role in Canada’s labour force. It is important that employers with a favourable track record have access to temporary foreign workers without an overly burdensome process. More programs like the Global Skills Strategy, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot should be developed and labour market impact assessments processes should be reviewed.

In regards to family reunification, the Committee would recommend the department to review the current demand for family reunification in Canada. Specifically, the department should review the minimum requirements and processes that allow people to sponsor their parents and grandparents to Canada.

Chapter three is a short summary of testimony heard regarding immigrant integration in Canada and the importance of adequate settlement services. The Committee is currently studying settlement services as a separate topic and will report on this issue in the coming months.

Chapter four summarizes what Canada is doing on the international stage with respect to migration. The Safe Third Country Agreement is a bilateral treaty between Canada and the United States and manages Canada’s southern land border. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and the Global Compact on Refugees are two new tools to address migration worldwide and provide a forum for Canada to participate in discussions and share best practices about immigration with international partners. Humanitarian aid and development assistance are also considered in context of the migration.

As part of its international contributions, the Committee recommends that Canada reaffirms its commitment to the Global Compacts and play a leadership role in advancing their objectives. Based on the testimony, the Committee also recommends that the federal government review its humanitarian and development envelopes to better respond to migratory root causes and population movements.