Roundtable Q & A Period with Immigration & Refugee Lawyers in our Section / Immigration and Skills Alignment Committee Interim Report Discussions

Agenda

It is a two for one!

First, this has always been a hit– so we’re doing it again! Bring all the immigration, refugee and citizenship law questions that are vexing you or cases you’re mulling over or even a new public policy that has confused you and benefit from the collective wisdom of our section. Please also bring your suggestions for sessions you’d like to see the section hold this year!

In addition, we welcome Mr. Reis Pagtakhan, Partner at MLT Aikins LLP, the Chair of the Immigration and Skills Alignment Committee of the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council to discuss their Committee’s Interim Report to the Premier as well as issues they will be tackling for their final report in February 2025. Reis will discuss the following topics and open it up for thoughts and comments from our section as well:

The Committee’s recommendations in their Interim Report

•    Proposed changes to the current MPNP Skilled Worker Stream. This includes proposed changes to the point system and an extension of the eligibility criteria.
•    A proposal to create a designated employer program and single source recruitment portal for skilled workers.
•    Proposed changes to the current MPNP Business Investor Stream.
•    Proposals to initiate immigration pilot programs in conjunction with the federal government for select occupations.

Areas where the Committee will be seeking input for its final report in February 2025

•    Retention strategies including incentives to settle in rural areas (carrots) and enforcement ideas (sticks);
•    Recognition of Prior Learning and International credential recognition.
•    Streamlining internal MPNP administrative processes and more transparency in the processing of MPNP applications;
•    Changes to the International Student processes and linking Provincial Attestation Letters for Study Permits to the job market;
•    Changes to the Internation Education Act;
•    Changes to the Worker Recruitment and Protection Act; and
•    Changes to the settlement system (Manitoba Start).