Canada's immigration system needs a clear future vision. Earlier this year, WES convened over 60 experts from across the country in a series of roundtables to reimagine how Canada attracts, integrates, and empowers newcomers. What emerged was striking alignment on the urgent need to address structural flaws in the current system—from overreliance on temporary workers to the gap between promises made to newcomers and the barriers they actually face. The most powerful insight: reforms cannot succeed unless policymakers think beyond traditional silos. Success demands whole-of-government coordination and recognition that immigration policy must be fully integrated with economic and social policy.
Yet critical tensions remain. Should Canada prioritize highly educated immigrants or focus on filling immediate labour market needs? Can we design a system that's both simple and responsive to diverse regional demands? What pathways should exist from temporary to permanent residence, and with what protections? Reimagining Canada’s Immigration System: Insights from a WES National Roundtable Series examines these questions directly. The report shows where consensus exists and where fundamental disagreements remain among experts shaping Canada's immigration future. Download the full report to see the findings.
