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Canada aims to boost French-speaking immigration, but Ontario says priority is the labour market

The PNP, too, is expected to see fewer draws, a direct result of Ottawa cutting provincial quotas nearly in half. The only category that has actually increased in draws this year is for French speakers outside Quebec.

Published Aug 20, 2025 at 7:34pm

Barbara Patrocinio
By
Barbara Patrocinio
Canada aims to boost French-speaking immigration, but Ontario says priority is the labour market

David Piccini, Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development speaks as Ontario Premier Doug Ford listens during a funding announcement in Hamilton, Ont., Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Carlos Osorio

The Ford government says federal immigration cuts are already taking a toll on Ontario’s economy, with employers warning that projects could stall and labour shortages could deepen if the province isn’t granted more autonomy over who it can bring in.

“We hear these stories every day,” said Ontario Immigration Minister David Piccini at a press conference this Tuesday. “Companies are telling us their future depends on workers who are already here. They’re paying taxes, raising families, and yet federal policy is putting their status, and those businesses, at risk.”

Piccini’s remarks come amid growing frustration from provinces over Ottawa’s decision to slash the number of newcomers it will admit in 2025.

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