May 4, 2011

So the conservatives won, what's in it for Canada's Immigration Program?


So Stephen Harper won again and the Conservatives won majority of the seats. But is a majority conservative government a good thing for those planning to immigrate to Canada?

Let's see.

If the Ministerial Instructions favor you, then it's a good thing. But if you have a pending application filed before February 2008, chances are you will have to wait longer. Unless of course if your occupation will be included in the new list of priority occupations and you file a new application. The list may be made available on or before July 1, 2011.

But if the Harper government push for a policy change affecting Canada's Immigration Program, which it can easily pass in the parliament given the numbers - Conservatives (167), New Democratic Party (102) and Liberal (34) - then it's another story. I hope they don't shut the door to immigration. Except for the proposed changes to FSW points system, there are no other major changes that may be implemented soon.

It's the first time that the Liberals lost this bad. It used to rule Canada for half a century and has been the official opposition for quite a time now. Worst, the Ignatieff, the Liberal leader lost on his own district. Well, there's always a first. :-)

See Canadian Election Results here.