Welcome back to Canada Immigration News Podcast! Your one-stop shop for everything Canadian immigration, from policy updates to inspiring stories. Today's episode is jam-packed with news, so buckle up! Manitoba on Fire: MPNP Invites Hundreds & Extends Status MPNP has been on a roll. Just two weeks ago, they held a massive draw, inviting a whopping 371 candidates across various streams. Notably, 66 of those invited were already in the Express Entry pool! But that's not all! On May 8th, Manitoba received approval from IRCC to extend the temporary resident status of potential provincial nominees. This is particularly beneficial for post-graduation work permit holders whose permits are expiring in 2024. Should Canada Revamp its Immigration System? Shifting gears, let's delve into a more complex topic. A recent poll by the Business Council of Alberta suggests that a significant portion of Canadians – roughly 70% – believe the immigration system needs an overhaul. While Canada has historically welcomed newcomers to fuel economic growth, public opinion seems to be shifting. The poll suggests less than half of Canadians believe immigration benefits the economy, society, and Canada's global standing. Interestingly, a strong majority (62%) favour prioritizing economic immigration. Immigration Ministers Focus on Collaboration In related news, Immigration Ministers from across Canada met on May 10th to discuss the 2025-2027 immigration plans. The discussions emphasized the importance of a well-managed system and the undeniable benefits of immigration. Key points included the impact of recent cuts to employment services for newcomers, the optimal balance between temporary and permanent residents, and the role of data in managing immigration volumes. Saskatchewan & PEI Partner Up for Internationally Educated Nurses Moving on to exciting news for internationally educated nurses (IENs)! Saskatchewan Polytechnic has partnered with the Prince Edward Island (PEI) government to address the growing need for qualified nurses in PEI. This partnership will deliver the Transition to Registered Nursing in Canada and the Registered Nurse Bridging Program specifically designed for IENs. Visa Logjam for Canadians Bringing Family from Gaza We now turn to a more concerning story. In early 2021, over 7,500 Canadians sought to sponsor family members from Gaza through a complex visa process. Unfortunately, the initial estimates by the Federal Government significantly underestimated the number of applicants. As of late April, only a mere 179 visas have been issued out of a staggering 7,549 applications. Canada Welcomes More Young Professionals Through IEC On a brighter note, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been busy inviting candidates through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program over the last two weeks. From April 29th to May 12th, a total of 3,864 young foreigners were invited to apply for an IEC open work permit. This brings the total number of ITAs issued under the IEC programme in 2024 to a significant 76,397. That wraps up another information-packed episode! Remember, staying on top of immigration news is crucial for your Canadian immigration journey.