QUESTION PERIOD — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Permanent Residence Pathways
June 20, 2024
My question is also for Senator Gold.
Earlier this month, the Honourable Marc Miller announced a new pilot program granting caregivers permanent residency upon arrival. However, the current processing time is 26 months for caregivers who have already applied in the direct to permanence category under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot. The processing time for the gaining experience category applications is even longer, and these programs closed on June 17.
How does the new pilot program address the backlog for caregivers who are already in Canada and have applied under these programs?
Thank you, senator, for your question.
The government understands very well that some applicants are frustrated by application delays, but it is important to note that not all applications in the caregiver inventory are in backlog. Under the current pilots, applications in the inventory are from applicants who either recently submitted their applications or are in the process of obtaining the necessary work experience before they become eligible to apply for permanent residency. The remaining are in a queue to be admitted as permanent residents.
My understanding is that the government is increasing caregiver spaces over the next three years, as set out in the 2024-26 Immigration Levels Plan, which should — and will — improve the wait times for those in the process of obtaining their permanent resident status. The government has also taken measures to improve processing times by increasing processing capacity and moving toward a more modern environment to help speed up the process.
We want to ensure that a program that may admit 15,000 caregivers as permanent residents does not place them in poor working conditions. Caregivers often work in private homes, putting them in unique and sometimes vulnerable positions. With the increasing need for at-home care due to Canada’s aging population, what is the government’s plan to support workers who find themselves in unfavourable working conditions?
Thank you. These new pilot programs will provide at-home caregivers with a clear, straightforward pathway to permanent residence as soon as they arrive in Canada. That will make it easier for them to find proper work with reliable employers. It’s a game changer. This significant change will provide more autonomy for caregivers to leave workplaces with abusive situations and seek opportunities to advance in the care sector.
