Item - 2013.CD18.6

The immigration system in Canada has undergone a series of transforming policy and legislation changes in the last few years, impacting every immigration class and aspect of the system. These changes have shifted Canada's historical position related to receiving immigrant workers and their families as permanent residents to respond to labour market needs and supporting the humanitarian needs of populations fleeing their home countries, to meeting the more immediate labour market shortages through temporary foreign worker visas.

This report responds to the Community Development and Recreation Committee request for information on recent immigration legislation and policy changes. It focuses on changes made to the largest immigration classes as well as those that are likely to have a significant impact on Toronto's residents and communities. While some of the changes are viewed as positive, recent research reports, media and community agencies raise concerns with others. The report outlines some of these concerns, and highlights emerging trends and issues.