The immigration minister launched Citizenship Week to celebrate Canada’s newest citizens

The Honorable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued a statement to launch Citizenship Week, an annual celebration of the rights and responsibilities shared by all Canadians. Reflecting on her own background as a Canadian of Lebanese origin, the Minister highlighted the vital role that Indigenous Peoples and newcomers play in strengthening the nation's social fabric. Throughout the week, several citizenship ceremonies will be held across the country to welcome new members into the Canadian family, emphasizing that citizenship is not merely a legal status but a deep-rooted commitment to community participation and mutual respect.

Canada plans to replace key Express Entry programs with a new federal model

A new regulatory proposal indicates that Canada is preparing to redesign the selection of high-skilled immigrants, replacing the current Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades programs with a single, streamlined federal category. The goal is to simplify the system and make it more responsive to labor market needs, shifting away from a universal selection model toward a more targeted approach based on occupations and economic demand. These changes are being developed at the regulatory level, meaning a structural shift rather than a technical update to the existing system. Public consultations are expected to take place in Spring 2026, and the final criteria have not yet been announced. If implemented, the reform would significantly change eligibility pathways and how candidates are selected for permanent residence in Canada.

IRCC proposed new regulatory amendments to streamline study and work authorizations

On April 7, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced proposed amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to reduce administrative hurdles for international students and apprentices. Key changes include removing the co-op work permit requirement for students and eliminating study permit mandates for foreign apprentices under specific conditions. Furthermore, the proposal allows international graduates and students to continue working while awaiting decisions on their permit extensions. These updates are designed to alleviate operational inefficiencies, standardize work authorizations during academic breaks, and support Canadian academic institutions in attracting top global talent by minimizing participation barriers.

Saskatchewan leads to provinces with the lowest unemployment and robust job growth

Saskatchewan’s labor market showed significant strength in March 2026, recording the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 5%, well below the national average of 6.7%. The province added 15,000 full-time jobs year over year and saw a monthly increase of 5,800 positions. Immigration and Career Training Minister Eric Schmalz highlighted the growth resulting from strategic industry partnerships designed to meet the demands of a growing economy. Major gains were reported in healthcare, personal services, and finance, while the province's two largest cities, Regina and Saskatoon, both saw substantial employment boosts. Additionally, Saskatchewan's youth unemployment rate remains among the lowest in the country, further signaling a resilient economic outlook.

Canadian employment stabilizes in March following early 2026 losses

The latest Labour Force Survey shows that employment in Canada was little changed in March, with about 14,000 jobs added. This stability follows a combined loss of more than 100,000 positions in the first two months of 2026. The national unemployment rate remained at 6.7%, while the employment rate held firm at 60.6%. Job gains were primarily seen in the personal and repair services sector and in natural resources, though these were offset by losses in the finance and real estate industries. Notably, average hourly wages rose 4.7% year over year to $37.73. While hiring remains slower than before the pandemic, the data suggest that current unemployment is driven more by a lack of new opportunities than by increased layoffs.

Manitoba and PEI announced minimum wage increases

Manitoba and Prince Edward Island have announced upcoming minimum wage increases, reflecting continued adjustments to support workers amid changing economic conditions. Manitoba’s minimum wage will rise by 40 cents to $16.40 per hour on Oct. 1, 2026, based on the province’s 2025 inflation rate and annual indexing under the Employment Standards Code. Prince Edward Island will introduce a two-step increase, moving from $17.00 to $17.30 per hour on Oct. 1, 2026, and then to $17.60 per hour on April 1, 2027, as part of a planned incremental approach.

Ontario to raise minimum wage on October 2026

Ontario will increase the general minimum wage from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour on October 1, 2026, an annual adjustment linked to the provincial Consumer Price Index of 1.9 %. The change is expected to benefit more than 700,000 workers and will rank among the highest minimum wage rates in Canada. The province says the increase is intended to protect workers’ purchasing power while giving employers predictability and stability to plan and grow amid global economic uncertainty. A full-time worker earning the general minimum wage, working 40 hours per week, would see an estimated annual increase of about $728.