ARCHIVED – Letter of Intent with Respect to a Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement

Electronic Version

Original signed May 7, 2004

Vision

The Government of Canada (Canada) and the Government of Ontario (Ontario) believe that immigrants make significant contributions to the economic, social and cultural well-being of the province and the country.

Canada and Ontario know that increased cooperation and coordinated efforts among federal departments and provincial ministries will assist each government in achieving its immigration goals.

Canada and Ontario recognize the benefit of Ontario municipalities’ participation in immigration issues.

Canada and Ontario recognize the important role of immigration in developing and supporting vibrant Francophone communities in Ontario.

Canada and Ontario recognize that Ontario receives the majority share of immigrants to Canada and that Ontario is integral to the success of Canada’s immigration goals.

Canada and Ontario believe that new and innovative partnerships and mechanisms are needed to help immigrants maximize their full potential. Successful outcomes will be achieved by engaging a range of partners, including municipal governments, foundations, the non-profit sector, educational and training institutions, regulatory bodies, business, labour, and ethno-cultural organisations.

Canada and Ontario affirm that immigration is an investment in our common future. Programs must be flexible to support the successful social and economic integration of immigrants in Ontario. New investments must be made to reflect the evolving needs of immigrants, in response to international events, immigration patterns and labour market conditions.

Canada and Ontario agree to pursue cooperative dialogue and discussions to determine the optimal ways to support the programs and services necessary to sustain and increase immigration levels in Ontario.

Purpose

Canada and Ontario agree as follows:

• To form the following committees, co-chaired by the Deputy Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Deputy Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration or their designates:
  • A Steering Committee, to oversee negotiations to develop an agreement.
  • A Financial Committee to examine and make recommendations on federal funding levels required to support successful social and economic integration of immigrants in Ontario.
• To form subcommittees, made up of representatives from Federal Departments and Ontario Ministries as directed by the Steering Committee, to develop agreements relating to:
  • Consultation, information and research exchange requirements and processes
  • Settlement and integration services
  • Expedited entry of certain types of economic immigrants on a temporary or permanent basis
  • Provision of information for prospective immigrants overseas and new immigrants in Canada; and
  • Other subjects as mutually agreed upon.
• To form a Municipal Committee, co-chaired by the Deputy Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Deputy Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and a third Co-Chair representing the municipal sector, to develop joint protocols for the participation of municipalities in issues related to immigration.
• That the Steering Committee shall establish a timetable for negotiations and will report progress at key milestones to Ministers. The Steering Committee will make all reasonable efforts to conclude all negotiations within 12 months of the signing of this agreement.

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA:

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The Honourable Judy Sgro
Minister for Citizenship and Immigration Canada

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Alfred MacLeod
Assistant Deputy Minister,
Citizenship and Immigration

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FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO:

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The Honourable Dr. Marie Bountrogianni
Minister,
Citizenship and Immigration

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Pamela Bryant
Deputy Minister,
Citizenship and Immigration

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