Canada to Boost Annual Skilled-Worker Intake by 110,000 Starting 6 January 2026
First Express Entry Draw of 2026 Issues 574 ITAs to PNP Candidates
Arctic Blast Causes More Than 600 Flight Disruptions Across Canada
Latest News
WestJet Issues Fee-Waiver Advisory for Ontario Airports Amid Winter Storm
WestJet’s 5 January fee-waiver allows even UltraBasic-fare passengers to rebook Ontario flights disrupted by winter weather. Employers should notify travellers immediately, as the policy lets them avoid penalties and reduce itinerary chaos during the storm window.
Canada removes attestation-letter hurdle for Master’s and PhD students
IRCC has abolished the Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter requirement for Master’s and PhD students at public institutions effective 1 January 2026. Graduate students are now exempt from provincial study-permit caps and PhD files qualify for two-week processing. The shift eases university recruitment and simplifies corporate-sponsored study assignments.
Ottawa pauses Start-Up Visa admissions ahead of new entrepreneur pilot
IRCC has stopped accepting new Start-Up Visa applications, with limited exceptions for candidates who secured a 2025 commitment certificate. The programme will be replaced later this year by a more selective pilot, forcing foreign founders and their Canadian investors to rethink entry strategies.
Arctic blast triggers 600-plus flight disruptions across Canada, derailing first business week of 2026
An intense winter storm caused nearly 600 flight delays and 98 cancellations nationwide on 2–3 January 2026, crippling the first business-travel week of the year. Toronto Pearson was hardest hit, and travel managers are rerouting staff and cargo through U.S. hubs to mitigate ongoing knock-on effects.
Ontario’s new “As-of-Right” rule lets out-of-province professionals start work in 10 days
Ontario now allows licensed professionals from other Canadian provinces to start work in the province within 10 business days under a six-month provisional approval. The fast-track mobility scheme reduces project delays and talent shortages but still requires underlying federal work authorization.
Ontario bans “Canadian work-experience” requirement and mandates AI transparency in job ads
Ontario no longer permits employers to require “Canadian work experience” in job ads and obliges them to reveal any use of AI in hiring. The reform removes a key barrier for immigrants and forces companies to update recruitment practices or risk hefty fines.
Alberta tightens Rural Renewal Stream: valid permits now required and TEER 4-5 applicants must already reside in-province
Alberta has made it harder to qualify for the AAIP Rural Renewal Stream: applicants need an in-force work permit, many lower-skilled candidates must already live in the province, endorsement caps have been lowered and letters expire after 12 months. Companies will need to secure federal permits first and adjust timelines.