A recent report, titled Renewing Immigration: Towards a Convergence and Consolidation of Canada's Immigration Policies, was recently released by the Conference Board of Canada. The report outlines what needs to be done to address Canada's economic needs through immigration; recommending that Canada increase the annual number of new Permanent Residents admitted from 250,000 to 360,000.

It highlights the progress that has been made in recent years to address the needs of businesses, provinces, and immigrants: namely improvements toCanada's Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program, the Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP), the Canadian Experience Class, and improvements to the International Student Program.

"These changes are positive steps, but more needs to be done," says Douglas Watt, Associate Director of Organizational Effectiveness and Learning. "Canada is competing with other countries for top international talent and a willingness to adjust programs and policies is the hallmark of successful immigration systems."

The Conference Board of Canada report recommends that Canada's immigration system focus on skills-based migration, that it maintain a strong commitment to humanitarian-based immigration, and that it create further programs to help Temporary Foreign Workers transition to Permanent Residency. It also calls for increased settlement and integration services and for the government to more fully incorporate immigration programs into overall social, economic, and environmental objectives.

Last year, Canada admitted 475,965 newcomers; however, more than half of them were either temporary workers or international students. The report points out that this does not help Canada meet long-term objectives.