Backgrounder - Canada and Prince Edward Island Improving Cooperation on Immigration

Overview

The Agreement for Canada‑Prince Edward Island Co‑operation on Immigration is a comprehensive document that establishes a collaborative approach to addressing immigration priorities in the province of Prince Edward Island.

Since jurisdiction over immigration is a shared responsibility, effective collaboration between the Government of Canada and the provinces and territories is essential to the successful management of the immigration program. Through this agreement, both orders of government clearly define their respective roles and responsibilities. The agreement also includes an annex on provincial nominees and allows for the negotiation of additional annexes on specific issues, as required.

The agreement and annex have an indefinite duration, reflecting the long‑standing commitment to cooperation and collaboration between the two orders of government with respect to immigration.

Responding to Prince Edward Island’s demographic and labour market needs

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories to nominate immigrants who have specific skills that will contribute to the local economy.  Nominees must meet federal admissibility requirements, such as those related to health, criminality and security.

Under the new agreement, there is no longer a limit on the number of immigrants the province can nominate for permanent residence in Prince Edward Island each year. The new PNP will run indefinitely, with the province providing nomination targets for CIC to incorporate in its annual immigration levels planning.

In addition to the PNP, the agreement includes a provision for cooperation between the two governments on the promotion and recruitment of immigrants and temporary residents. A coordinated approach to promotion and recruitment will assist the province in meeting its immigration objectives.

The agreement also recognizes the province’s interest in enhancing the vitality of French linguistic minority communities in its jurisdiction.

Responding to the settlement and integration needs of immigrants and refugees

Prince Edward Island and the federal government have a long history of collaboration in providing settlement and integration services to immigrants in the province.

The new agreement confirms the Government of Canada’s commitment to fair and ongoing funding for settlement services in Prince Edward Island. Canada has also committed to working with Prince Edward Island to help immigrants find work in their chosen professions. To that end, it will cooperate in securing recognition of the foreign credentials of permanent residents and supporting their integration into the labour market.