Federal, provincial and territorial immigration ministers met in Toronto today to discuss the benefits of economic immigration to Canada.

The selection of economic immigrants and the improvement of settlement and labour market outcomes for newcomers were a key focus of the meeting, which was co-chaired by Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister, Chris Alexander, and Ontario’s Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade Minister, Michael Chan.

Ministers discussed the launch of the new Express Entry immigration selection system and the ongoing importance of the Provincial Nominee Programs, which allow provinces and territories to find prospective immigrants to meet their labour market needs.

“Our government is working to welcome the best and the brightest more quickly, and to get these skilled newcomers integrated more fully into Canada’s economy and Canadian society. Working with provincial and territorial partners, we can maximize the benefits that immigration brings to the Canadian economy and support our top priority: creating jobs and economic growth," said Minister Chris Alexander.

Ministers also discussed progress on the three-year action plan FPT Vision for Immigration to Canada (2012-2015), that is intended to adapt to immigration changes and to build a fast, fair and flexible economic immigration system. Efforts remain focused on meeting labour market needs, increasing Francophone immigration and improving settlement outcomes for all newcomers.