On May 11, 2022, Motion 44 was passed by the majority of the House of Commons. This motion pertains to temporary foreign workers and their path to permanent residency. The motion was started in January of 2022 by Randeep Sarai, a member of parliament from Surrey Centre, BC. This is a huge change in Canadian immigration law, and we are going to discuss what a motion is, what permanent residency is, and how this new motion will impact immigrants coming to Canada.
What is a Motion?
A motion is a formal request or proposal made to a deliberative assembly for action. In the Canadian House of Commons, members can bring forward motions on any topic they choose. Private members’ business includes debates and votes on motions brought forward by MPs who are not ministers. The types of motions that MPs can introduce are:
– Motion to adjourn
– Calling for papers or records
– Directing committee to report back by a certain date
– Notices of motion for the production of documents
– Motions relating to private bills
– Amendments to bills or other motions
What is a Permanent Residency?
Permanent residency is an immigration status granted to a person who has been authorized to live and work in Canada on a permanent basis. A permanent resident is someone who has been given this status by immigrating to Canada but is not a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents are legally entitled to many of the same rights and privileges as Canadian citizens, but there are some important differences. For example, permanent residents cannot vote or hold certain jobs in the public sector.
How will Motion 44 Impact Immigrants?
Motion 44 is for permanent residency for temporary foreign workers in Canada and will expand immigration opportunities for many people. By passing the motion, workers with all skill levels will be able to meet the broad spectrum of labour needs and will be able to obtain permanent residency, including international students, with significant Canadian work experience in sectors with persistent labour shortages.
Here are the elements that will be incorporated into the plan:
(a) amending eligibility criteria under economic immigration programs to give more weight to significant in-Canada work experience and expand the eligible occupational categories and work experience at various skills levels;
(b) examining evidence and data gathered from recent programs such as Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway, Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), Rural and Northern Immigration Program (RNIP), and Agri-Food Pilot, and Provincial Nominee Process (PNP);
(c) incorporating data on labour market and skills shortages to align policy on immigrant-selection with persistent labour gaps;
(d) assessing ways to increase geographic distribution of immigration and encourage immigrant retention in smaller communities, as well as increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec;
(e) identifying mechanisms for ensuring flexibility in immigration-selection tools to react quicker to changes in labour market needs and regional economic priorities; and
(f) specifically considering occupations and essential sectors that are underrepresented in current economic immigration programs, such as health services, caregivers, agriculture, manufacturing, service industry, trades, and transportation.
If you are interested in coming to Canada or know someone who is, please contact Tkachuk today. We can help you understand how this new motion will impact your case and what steps need to be taken in order to apply for permanent residency. Our team of experts would be happy to assist you in any way possible.
