Dialogue sessions: Ontario
Dialogue sessions
- Ontario
March 27, 2023
Toronto, Ontario
50+ people in attendance
Stakeholders from across Ontario attended an in-person dialogue session to share their perspectives on the future of Canada’s immigration system.
There was representation from business, academia, think tanks, non-governmental organizations and labour groups, with many participants also contributing their personal experience of the immigration system as past or recent immigrants.
Stakeholders identified strengths of Canada’s system, including the good reputation and strong brand that make Canada attractive to newcomers, and the system’s responsiveness to humanitarian crises.
Participants discussed the need for applicants to receive timely responses and human-centered client service, and the challenge of aligning labour market needs with the advantages newcomers have to offer, including post-secondary students.
Participants also noted the importance of collaboration between all levels government, transparency in decision-making and the availability of settlement services in rural communities.
Some suggestions were made regarding the recruitment and retention of newcomers in the labour market, as well as the role of technology in improving client experience.