Canada's New Caregiver Pilot Program: Insights from a Stakeholder Roundtable

On Friday, March 7, 2025, a significant roundtable event took place at the Filipino Centre of Toronto. Hosted by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, along with the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business, and the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, the event focused on the newly announced pilot program for caregivers in Canada (Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots). This roundtable offered a vital platform for discussion, feedback, and collaboration, bringing together key stakeholders, including migrant rights advocates, to shape the future of this crucial program.

The Purpose of the Event

The roundtable was designed to provide an opportunity for caregivers, their families, and other concerned stakeholders to voice their opinions, concerns, and suggestions regarding the new caregiver pilot program. This program, set to open on March 31, 2025, is aimed at providing better support for caregivers who play a critical role in the lives of many Canadians. The discussion centered on how the program could be fine-tuned to ensure that caregivers are adequately supported and their essential contributions to society are recognized.

Key Highlights from the Event

1. Demand for Transparency and Accessibility

One of the key points raised during the roundtable was a call for greater transparency from the government, particularly regarding the program's details and application process. Migrante Ontario and other migrant rights advocates voiced their concerns about the lack of clear information available ahead of the March 31 program launch. They demanded that the program’s full details, including application forms, be made publicly accessible as soon as possible. This transparency is crucial, they argued, to ensure that eligible caregivers are able to apply in an informed manner without confusion or unnecessary delays.

2. A Step Toward Fairer Policies: Lobbying for the Removal of the Job Offer Requirement

Another important development at the roundtable was the opportunity for key individuals, such as Mr. Apol Apuntar of Migrante Ontario, to directly advocate for policy changes. Mr. Apuntar passionately argued that many caregivers in Canada have been working for years—some for over 10 years—but still have not been able to obtain permanent residency due to caps on the number of applications accepted. Now, with the introduction of this new pilot program, those caregivers who have been contributing to Canadian society for a decade or more still face the hurdle of needing a job offer to apply.

Mr. Apuntar raised a crucial concern: what happens to those caregivers who no longer have an employer? The job offer requirement could leave many in a precarious situation, unsure of how to proceed. Caregivers who have spent years working in Canada without permanent residency should not be further penalized for circumstances outside their control, such as no longer having an employer.

He strongly advocated for the removal of this job offer requirement for individuals already working as caregivers in Canada. This change, if implemented, would provide a fairer and more inclusive process for caregivers who have already demonstrated their value and dedication.

3. Minister Miller’s Reassurance to Migrant Rights Advocates

A critical moment in the event came when the Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, directly addressed the concerns raised by migrant rights advocates. Minister Miller reassured participants that the government was listening closely to the issues raised during the discussion, stating that their concerns would not go unheard. This was a significant moment, as it highlighted the government’s willingness to engage in a dialogue with stakeholders and make necessary adjustments to ensure the program’s success.

4. Program Details: Application Capacity and Support for Undocumented Caregivers

The new caregiver pilot program is set to accept up to 2,750 applications, which is a step forward in addressing the demand for caregiver immigration pathways. In a significant move, the program will also make room for 150 applications from undocumented caregivers. This is a key inclusion, as it provides an opportunity for those who have been working without legal status in Canada to formalize their position and gain permanent residency. The inclusion of undocumented caregivers is seen as a positive development by many advocacy groups, who have long called for policies that support the undocumented workforce contributing to Canadian society.

The Impact of the Roundtable on Caregiver Pilot Program

The roundtable underscored the importance of collaboration between government representatives, advocacy groups, and caregivers themselves. By providing a space for meaningful discussions and direct feedback, the event demonstrated a commitment to shaping a program that will better serve caregivers and their families. The inclusion of migrant rights advocates and their active participation in lobbying for policy changes also signals a move towards a more inclusive and equitable approach to caregiving in Canada.

As the program's opening date approaches, the feedback and insights gathered at this roundtable will likely play a pivotal role in the program’s implementation. Stakeholders are hopeful that the government will take these concerns into account to ensure that the program is truly beneficial for caregivers, regardless of their immigration status or prior employment circumstances.

Moving Forward: A New Chapter for Caregivers in Canada

The caregiver pilot program is an important step in recognizing the vital role that caregivers play in Canadian society. While the details of the program are still being fine-tuned, events like the March 7 roundtable demonstrate a clear commitment to addressing the concerns of those who are most affected by the policies in question.

For caregivers, their families, and migrant rights advocates, this program could mark a significant shift toward better support and recognition of their essential work. However, as the program’s launch date nears, continued advocacy and dialogue will be necessary to ensure that all voices are heard and that the program truly serves the diverse needs of caregivers in Canada.