House of Commons rushes Bill C-12, tightening asylum rules and expanding border powers
Analysts warn Bill C-12 could let Ottawa freeze work-permit and study-permit streams
Punjabi diaspora in Brampton mobilises as policy shifts threaten PR pathways
Latest News
Ottawa names new Consul General in Shanghai to deepen commercial ties
Canada has appointed Tracy Diehl as its new Consul General in Shanghai, a role key to supporting the thousands of Canadian expatriates and businesses operating in East China. The move signals Ottawa’s intent to maintain commercial engagement despite broader political tensions.
Canada updates Egypt travel advisory, warns of sand-storm and earthquake risks
Ottawa’s December 23 update to its Egypt travel advisory flags new natural-hazard information and reiterates strict warnings for Northern Sinai. Canadian companies with staff in Egypt should refresh emergency protocols and prepare for potential flight or movement restrictions.
Canada Halts Start-Up Visa Program, Paves Way for Targeted Entrepreneur Pilot in 2026
IRCC has stopped issuing new Start-Up Visa work permits and will reject fresh SUV permanent-residence applications after 31 December 2025. A new, more selective entrepreneur pilot is slated for 2026. Companies and investors must adjust talent-mobility strategies as the popular pathway pauses.
Ottawa Caps 2026 Study-Permit Intake and Freezes Several Permanent-Residence Streams
IRCC will limit 2026 study-permit applications to about 310,000 and impose new provincial attestation letters. At the same time, it is freezing intake for the Start-Up Visa, Self-Employed Persons and caregiver pilots. The measures aim to cut backlogs and reduce Canada’s temporary-resident population, affecting colleges, universities and businesses that depend on foreign talent.
2026 International Experience Canada Season Opens, Offering 90,000+ Youth Work Permits
IRCC opened the 2026 IEC season, allowing youth from 36 partner countries to apply for Working Holiday, Young Professional and Co-op permits. Quotas hover around 90,000, with some countries benefiting from higher age limits. The program offers Canadian employers a rapid, LMIA-exempt way to hire young foreign talent.
Air Canada Flight Among Six Cancellations in India, Stranding Montreal-Bound Passengers
An unscheduled cancellation of Air Canada flight AC51 from Delhi to Montreal on 22 December stranded hundreds of passengers and illustrates the vulnerability of Canada-India air links during peak season. Companies should review contingency routing and ensure travellers hold necessary transit documentation.
Restaurant Sector Warns Labour Crunch Looms as Immigration Targets Fall
Toronto chain Naan Kabob says lower immigration and temporary-resident caps jeopardise restaurant staffing and growth. With permanent-resident admissions set to fall and study-permit rules tightening, operators warn of higher labour costs and postponed expansions unless targeted mobility programs are introduced.