🎯 Objectives
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Support economic resilience in key sectors (construction, mining, energy, and manufacturing).
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Attract high-human capital immigrants: skilled tradespeople, STEM professionals, and business investors.
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Strengthen commercialization of innovation in Canada rather than abroad.
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Promote population and investment growth in smaller cities and rural regions.
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Reduce economic reliance on the U.S. by bolstering domestic production and internal trade.
I. Immigration Pathways to Support Industrial Development
A. Skilled Trades Stream under Express Entry – Targeted Expansion
Proposal: Expand Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) with:
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Priority NOCs: electricians, welders, heavy equipment mechanics, engineers, machinists, pipefitters, millwrights.
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Fast-track processing (<4 months) for applicants with job offers in critical sectors outside metro areas.
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Mandatory employer onboarding for IRCC pre-approval.
B. Regional Infrastructure Worker Program (RIWP)
New Pilot under Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
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Designed for construction, energy, and mining projects outside Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
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Must be tied to a registered infrastructure or energy project (e.g., mine, dam, pipeline).
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Employer consortia may sponsor batches of workers.
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IRCC issues employer-specific open work permits tied to project duration.
C. National Credential Recognition Fund (via NOCR)
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Fast-track credential equivalency in construction, engineering, and skilled trades.
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Reduce delays for internationally trained professionals through digitized assessments and NOCR certification.
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Launch foreign-to-Canadian trade certification bridging programs in key provinces.
II. Entrepreneur and Investor-Focused Programs
A. Innovation Commercialization Visa (ICV)
Aligned with CD Howe’s focus on commercializing Canadian IP:
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For foreign inventors/entrepreneurs who agree to scale a patented product/service in Canada.
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Requires:
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Proof of Canadian patent or IP rights.
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2 Canadian employees within 12 months.
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$200,000 CAD minimum investment.
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Offers PR after 2 years of verified business activity.
B. Regional Investor Program (RIP)
Focused on communities <100,000 population
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For investors committing a minimum of $300,000 in manufacturing, mining, or renewable energy ventures.
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PR eligibility after 2 years of verifiable job creation and business operation.
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Target markets: Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America.
C. Commercialization Start-up Visa (C-SUV)
Modification of Start-Up Visa program:
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Requires Canadian VC or accelerator backing for manufacturing, clean tech, or mineral processing ventures.
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Government co-matching fund of up to $200,000 via BDC or IRAP.
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IP must remain domiciled in Canada with a plan for domestic scaling.
III. Regional Integration and Development Support
A. Canada Regional Growth Allocation (CRGA)
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Immigration quotas allocated by IRCC to small cities based on:
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Housing availability.
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Healthcare capacity.
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Presence of industrial projects.
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Allocations should favour communities participating in programs like Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) or new energy/mining corridor developments.
B. Municipal Partnership Incentives
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Municipalities that adopt fast-track zoning and infrastructure support for housing immigrant workers receive federal infrastructure grants.
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Tie in with the National Trade Corridors Fund and Indigenous Development Bank for inclusive regional growth.
IV. Alignment with C.D. Howe Priorities
| Policy Goal | SGIP Alignment |
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| Productivity Growth | Skilled worker attraction, SME expansion, commercialization of IP |
| Commercialization of Innovation | C-SUV and ICV routes retain IP in Canada |
| Reduced U.S. Dependence | Regional development and internal trade increase domestic capacity |
| Infrastructure Development | RIWP supports energy/mineral infrastructure; CRGA encourages investment in trade corridors |
| Immigration Reform | Points system strengthened, PNPs aligned with EE, regional caps for PRs and TRs integrated with economic capacity |
V. Conclusion
The Strategic Growth Immigration Plan (SGIP) represents a focused response to C.D. Howe Institute’s call for immigration policy reform aligned with national economic goals. It ensures that immigration is not just a demographic lever, but a direct driver of productivity, innovation, and balanced regional development—anchoring Canadian sovereignty in infrastructure, energy, and enterprise.
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