The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) met on June 23, 2026, in Ottawa to advance collaboration on the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan and discuss federal–provincial–territorial (FPT) priorities. The ministers focused on returning immigration to sustainable levels while considering regional, rural, and northern contexts, addressing labour shortages, reinforcing key economic sectors, and supporting communities across the country. They also discussed the role of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in advancing these considerations and the need for stable and adequate PNP allocations.

Ministers reviewed the implementation of recent reforms, including measures to support sustainable immigration and strengthen program integrity. They agreed that meaningful consultation, careful planning, and effective management across both permanent and temporary immigration pathways are essential to restoring balance to Canada's immigration system and aligning it with economic objectives. The federal commitment to stabilize permanent resident admissions to less than 1% of the total population beyond 2027 and to reduce the temporary population to less than 5% of the total population by the end of 2027 was discussed, with agreement on the need for continued progress.

Key Priorities and Agreements

Ministers underscored that immigration is a shared jurisdiction and that provinces and territories must be engaged as substantive partners in the development of immigration levels and programs. They emphasized the importance of strong collaboration between FPT partners and strategic stakeholders to ensure successful integration of newcomers in key labour sectors at national and regional levels. Attracting and retaining the world's best talent with the skills and experience needed to grow the economy was highlighted as key to achieving Canada's economic objectives.

Provincial Nominee Programs and Regional Needs

Provincial and territorial (PT) ministers requested further information on the process to set PNP targets and allocations to facilitate more strategic policy and program planning. Discussions included improving economic immigration programs by modernizing processes, streamlining workflows, and reducing duplication of candidate selection. PT ministers underlined that the PNP and other regional economic programs, such as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), are the most effective tools to address regional labour shortages in key sectors, enabling provinces and territories to directly select skilled workers aligned with their economic priorities. They underscored the importance of increasing PNP and AIP allocations to ensure greater control over economic immigration.

Integration and Funding

Ministers highlighted the need for greater complementarity across immigration programs to facilitate the transition of workers and international students already in Canada from temporary to permanent residence. They reinforced that coordination approaches must support immigrant integration holistically through aligned settlement services and programs. PT ministers urged the federal government to reinstate adequate and responsive levels of funding, particularly in targeted language training, to support ongoing settlement needs for newcomers.

Additional Discussions

Ministers discussed the importance of attracting and recruiting international students to support Canada's economy. PT ministers agreed to further collaboration to shape the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program to better align with regional labour market needs. They acknowledged progress in reducing barriers to foreign credential recognition (FCR), including occupation-specific reforms in health care and the introduction of fair registration practices legislation in most jurisdictions. Officials were directed to work expeditiously through the newly created Forum of Labour Market Ministers - FMRI Joint Task Force to tackle challenges across the immigration continuum.

Support for Francophone immigration as a priority was expressed, recognizing its role in strengthening Francophone minority communities outside Quebec. Ministers acknowledged work toward achieving the Government of Canada's target of 12% Francophone permanent resident admissions by 2029 and discussed progress on a renewed Federal/Provincial/Territorial Action Plan for Increasing Francophone Immigration Outside of Quebec.

The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, emphasized the importance of managing migration responsibly to maximize social and economic benefits. The Honourable Lin Paddock, Minister of Immigration for Newfoundland and Labrador and Provincial-Territorial FMRI Co-Chair, highlighted the critical role of provinces and territories in shaping immigration pathways that reflect regional labour market needs. As requested by the Government of Quebec, the Quebec minister responsible for immigration holds observer status at the federal and provincial-territorial ministers' table, as Quebec assumes sole responsibility for establishing immigration levels under the Canada-Québec Accord.

The Government of Canada has committed over $16 million to five clean energy infrastructure projects in British Columbia, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. Announced on June 23, 2026, the funding aims to strengthen energy security, reduce reliance on diesel, and create opportunities for Indigenous ownership and participation in the energy sector. The investment is part of Canada's broader strategy to build a sustainable, affordable, and reliable electricity grid as demand is expected to double by 2050.

The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, highlighted the importance of these projects in addressing the high energy costs in northern and remote communities. Utility rates in these regions are currently six to ten times higher than the national average. The projects will focus on renewable energy, energy storage, and grid modernization to lower emissions and catalyze clean energy jobs.

Funding and Program Details

The federal funding is provided through the Government of Canada's Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPP). This $4.5-billion program supports grid modernization, energy storage, and non-emitting generation projects across all regions of Canada. Approximately 50% of approved deployment projects under SREPP to date have included Indigenous ownership.

National Electricity Strategy

On May 14, 2026, Canada announced a forthcoming National Electricity Strategy to guide the expansion of the country's grid. The strategy aims to double grid capacity by 2050 and ensure clean, reliable, and affordable power for decades. The government has launched consultations with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, utilities, and unions to identify the most effective and affordable actions to achieve this goal.

The investments in British Columbia, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories are a direct application of this strategy, particularly in northern regions where access to electricity is more challenging. By partnering with territorial and Indigenous communities, the government seeks to secure domestic economic and security interests while ensuring an affordable energy future for Canadians.