Canadian Premiers Push for More Immigration Power as Doug Ford Targets Federal Minister

Canadian premiers, led by Ontario’s Doug Ford, are demanding greater provincial authority over immigration policies. Tensions rise as Ford criticizes federal minister’s approach.

A growing number of Canadian provincial premiers are calling for more control over immigration decisions, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford leading the charge. The move marks an escalating dispute between provincial leaders and the federal government over who should shape the country’s immigration policies.

Doug Ford Demands Stronger Provincial Say

During a recent Council of the Federation meeting, Premier Doug Ford called out the federal immigration minister, accusing Ottawa of ignoring the specific needs of provinces like Ontario. Ford argued that provinces are best positioned to determine their labour market needs and should have a larger role in selecting newcomers.

“We know what’s best for our workers, our businesses, and our communities,” Ford said. “The federal government needs to stop dictating immigration policies from a distance.”

Ford’s criticism comes amid rising labour shortages in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. The Ontario government says it needs more autonomy to fast-track skilled immigrants into critical roles.

Other Premiers Join the Call

Ontario is not alone. Premiers from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec have also voiced support for increased provincial authority over immigration.

• Quebec already controls its own immigration system under a special agreement.
• Alberta Premier Danielle Smith echoed Ford’s concerns, saying, “We need to bring in workers who can contribute right away, not just wait for federal bureaucracy.”

This unified stance has put pressure on Ottawa to reconsider its current immigration strategy, particularly around the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the allocation of immigrant spots per province.

Federal Government Pushes Back

In response, the federal immigration minister defended the centralized approach, stating that immigration policy must balance national priorities such as family reunification, humanitarian support, and economic growth.

“While provinces play an important role, immigration is a national responsibility,” the minister said.

However, critics argue that this response fails to acknowledge the unique regional needs and the rising demand for targeted immigration programs.

Why This Matters: The Future of Canadian Immigration

The debate could have significant implications for the future of immigration in Canada. If provinces gain more power, we could see:

• Customized immigration streams that address local labour shortages.
• Faster processing times through streamlined provincial pathways.
• More newcomers settling in smaller communities that actively seek population growth.

At the same time, experts caution that a fragmented system may lead to inconsistencies and competition between provinces.