Through Bill 9, the Government of Quebec announced earlier this month its intention to cancel 18,000 applications for permanent residence from its Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), citing backlog as the primary reason. These applications are from the first-come first-served immigration system which existed prior to the arrival of the expression of interest scheme (similar to the federal version) in August 2018. The new system, accessed through the “Arrima” portal, allows MIDI to match applicants with employment needs in various regions of the province and send invitations to apply for a CSQ accordingly.

Applicants will be refunded their processing fees of $1000, a move that is expected to cost the province approximately $19 million. Needless to say, this decision has been controversial.

However, this strategy is not unprecedented; in 2012, the Government of Canada expressed its intent through Bill C-38 to eliminate the backlog in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). As a result, FSW applications submitted before February 27, 2012 for which a decision had not been rendered by March 29, 2012 were eliminated. Approximately 300,000 applications were returned and refunded in this exercise.

There are multiple benefits to this strategy, primary among which is that it is expected to reduce waiting times under the QSWP to around 6 months. As stated by MIDI, some applications have been sitting for more than 3 years. The adverse effect from the returned applications is minimized because those applicants can simply re-apply under the new Arrima system, and may benefit from reduced wait times. Additionally, in theory the province will be able to match applicants with the employment needs of the province, addressing an economic need and ensuring applicants have a higher chance of becoming employed in their field quickly.

However, on the other hand, while cancelled applicants can re-apply under Arrima, they will incur additional costs for a new application, such as legal representation, translation services (if applicable), document notarization, etc. They may also need to re-take language evaluations if they are no longer valid or if higher scores are required. Furthermore, there may be an issue of work experience that may no longer be valid, which may prevent applicants from receiving an invitation under the new system. Finally, there are the issues of fairness with regards to applicants who planned for their life in Quebec believing that their applications were well underway, making investments into their future in Quebec such as buying a house, who suddenly find themselves in limbo.

As of February 20, 2019, the Quebec Association of Immigration Lawyers (AQAADI) has reportedly filed an injunction against MIDI in the name of a Korean woman, Seeun Park, to stop the implementation of this policy and resume processing older applications. The hearing is to take place on Friday, February 22, 2019.

(Sources)

The post Quebec Poised to Cancel 18,000 QSWP Applications first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

1. Banff, Alberta: Lake Louise is located in Banff National Park, just under two hours away from Calgary. This lake is turquoise in colour and sits in between two mountains which makes it pretty iconic. The historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is located right on the lake front with spectacular views. Lake Louise becomes a skating rink once it freezes over, perfect for hikes, snowshoeing, skiing or dogsledding.

2. Whistler, British Columbia: Visit Whistler, a popular North American ski resort. Spend all day on the slopes and unwind in the alpine Village at the base of the twin ski hills at night. Whistler is located less than a two hour drive from Vancouver and offers sophisticated dining options and so much more.

3. Ottawa, Ontario: Ottawa is quite popular in the winter as it is known for ice skating on the Rideau Canal, BeaverTails, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking in the Gatineau, and lastly, the architecturally stunning Parliament building. Ottawa is also the nation’s capital, so it tends to attract many tourists especially during the holiday months. Did you know the Rideau Canal Skateway is the largest natural outdoor skating rink in the entire world!

4. Whitehorse, Yukon: Into some hardcore adventures up north? To get the full Yukon experience, head there in the winter and experience the aurora borealis, backcountry dogsledding, stay in a luxury yurt or lodge and relax by the fire.

5. Quebec City, Quebec: Quebec City transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season as it mimics a European festival. The city is surrounded by 400 year old walls and along the streets you will find little stands and shops offering hand-painted wooden toys, delicate ornaments, locally crafted cheeses, fresh sausages and mulled wine. There are also fireworks, outdoor concerts and dance parties!

There are so many other places to visit in Canada during the holiday season, however these 5 are our top favourites!

To read more, click here.

The post The Best Holiday Getaways in Canada! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

• Improve access to and provide more affordable French testing;
• Increase the availability of services in French for new immigrants arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport;
• Increase funding for Francophone Integration Pathway, which provides settlement services; and
• Launch an expression of interest process in search of an organization to provide language training to individuals who have listed French as their preferred official language.

These initiatives form part of the government’s Action Plan for Increasing Francophone Immigration, introduced in March 2018. One of the goals of the plan is for 4.4 percent of new immigrants outside of Quebec to be francophone by 2023.[2]

Given the importance of linguistic diversity to Canadian society, the federal government’s moves towards improved services for francophones are encouraging. It appears, however, that a different approach is being taken at the provincial level. In Ontario, where 4.1 percent of the population reported French as their first official language in 2016, members of the French-speaking community received some disappointing news last week: The provincial government intends to eliminate the position of French language services commissioner and will not be building a French-language university in Toronto.[3]

Interested in immigrating to Canada? Click here to book a consultation!
(sources)

The post Recent Announcements Affecting Canada’s Francophones first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

On 11 June 2018, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the creation of a new Francophone Immigration Policy Hub. The Policy Hub aims to facilitate a coordinated approach to Francophone immigration policy between Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the provinces, and territories.

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen declared, “The Department is committed to working in collaboration with Francophone organizations and institutions to ensure that our immigration strategy reflects the needs of Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec. The Policy Hub is a key partner in a continued and sustained progress of that goal”.

The Policy Hub is planning to complete its action plan on how to achieve Francophone immigration objectives by fall of this year. As part of this strategy, the Government of Canada will continue its international marketing activities to raise awareness of Canada (outside of Quebec), as an attractive place for French-speaking individuals to settle.

To read more, click here.

The post IRCC Announces Creation of New Francophone Immigration Policy Hub first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

As a result of the forum, the “FPT Action Plan for Increasing Francophone Immigration Outside of Quebec” was introduced. The Action Plan focuses on three strategies of collaboration between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to achieve its goal, split into ten specific actions:

1. Championing Francophone immigration;
2. Collaborating on three targeted areas:
   1. Employment,
   2. Accessible services,
   3. Inclusive communities; and
3. Reporting on progress

In order to champion Francophone immigration, parties should strive to enhance international marketing activities to raise awareness of Canada (outside of Quebec), as an attractive place for French-speaking individuals to settle. For those applicants already in Canada on a temporary basis, information on immigration pathways involving settlement in French Minority Communities (FMCs) should be highlighted.  Employment is one of the most important factors for attracting any immigrant, not only those that speak French. To this effect, the Action Plan encourages working with employers to identify and market those areas where businesses can take advantage of the language abilities of Francophones; in turn, Francophones benefit from rewarding employment opportunities. The provision of services in French is also key to integrate Francophones into FMCs. Finally, the plan stresses the importance of reporting the progress made by various levels of governments to all other parties involved in this undertaking. The sharing of information allows for the avoidance of mistakes already made and opportunities to capitalize on effective plans implemented by other parties, which increases the efficiency of the overall plan.

These immigration goals represent an opportunity for Francophones wishing to immigrate to Canada. For more information on the Action Plan, please click here.

The post Maintaining Canada’s French Roots first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

The list is as follows:

1. Ottawa, Ontario: The capital of Canada is one of the most underrated cities in all of Canada. It offers plenty of outdoor activities, is close to the United States and Québec and is an extremely clean city! It also has the highest standard of living in Canada!

2. Québec City, Québec: Cobblestone streets line this old city as it is known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Québec City is the only city in Canada and the United States to still have its original city walls.

3. Winnipeg, Manitoba: Winnipeg is usually ignored as a city but if you look closer, you will see a collection of stunning parks and innovative architecture. Head North to Churchill, Manitoba and you will find polar bears galore!

4. Vancouver, British Columbia: Also known as “Hollywood North”, Vancouver is a popular destination for filming as it is a very scenic city with mountain views. The city is also home to many stunning beaches as it is right on the Pacific Ocean.

5. Calgary, Alberta: A little bit of city mixed with stunning mountain views – you get the best of both worlds! The city is just an hour away from Banff National Park which is home to hiking, camping and canoeing. However, the city is also home to skyscrapers and inner-city neighbourhoods that resemble New York City.

6. Halifax, Nova Scotia: Halifax is home to spectacular beaches, beautiful parks and stunning historic buildings. The city is known to have a warm atmosphere and a vibrant nightlife and is often ranked one of the best cities to live in all of Canada!

7. Whitehorse, Yukon: Whitehorse is the Yukon’s capital city, which lies within its spectacular natural surroundings. This city was made for nature and adventure lovers. Whitehorse also has less air pollution than any other city in the world!

8. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador: St. John’s is believed to be the oldest English-founded city in North America. It is known for its brightly coloured old buildings and hilly terrain. Did I mention it is right on the Atlantic Ocean?

9. Saint John, New Brunswick: Saint John is home to Reversing Rapids – this is when the tides force the river to flow backwards! Saint John was also the first incorporated city in what would become Canada, and it is located where the Saint John River flows into the Bay of Fundy, making it a popular cruise-ship port.

10. Kelowna, British Columbia: Kelowna is perfect for all seasons; in the warmer months, people are drawn here for the watersports; in the fall it’s time for wine-tasting and in the winter, the action is found at the nearby ski resorts.

To view more beautiful cities that Canada has to offer, click here.

The post 10 Beautiful Canadian Cities That You Need to Visit! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

Let’s hit the road!

Newfoundland and Labrador – St. John’s, which is Newfoundland and Labrador’s capital, is the oldest city in North America!

Nova Scotia – Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, was founded in 1749!

Prince Edward Island – P.E.I. is the smallest province in all of Canada!

New Brunswick – Florenceville-Bristol, located in western New Brunswick, is the French Fry Capital of the world!

Quebec – The Montreal Canadiens, Quebec’s National Hockey League team, has been playing hockey since 1909!

Ontario – There are approximately 250,000 lakes located throughout the province of Ontario!

Manitoba – Churchill, located in northern Manitoba, is the Polar Bear Capital of the world!

Saskatchewan – Currently holds the title of the province with the most roads in Canada!

Alberta – Banff National Park, established in 1885, is the oldest national park in Canada!

British Columbia – The world’s tallest totem pole stands in Alert Bay, located in western BC!

Northwest Territories – Yellowknife, the capital of Northwest Territories, is approximately 3,000 kilometres away from the North Pole!

Nunavut – Frobisher Bay, which is found in eastern Nunavut, has the second highest tides in Canada, right after the Bay of Fundy located in New Brunswick!

Yukon – Carcross Desert, located just outside of Carcross in Yukon, is the world’s smallest desert!

The post Fun Facts from Coast to Coast first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

Niagara Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario – One of Canada’s most famous natural attractions! A variety of events take place year-round that are suitable for the entire family. For more information, please click here.

Hopewell Rocks in Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick – Relax and enjoy the beautiful view that this park has to offer, which is typically open between the middle of May through to the middle of October. For more information, please click here.

Rocky Mountains in Alberta – Explore the Canadian Rockies by visiting the Jasper National Park, Banff National Park, or Kananaskis Country. For more information, please click here.

CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario – Enjoy Toronto’s breath-taking view from one of the tallest structures in the world. For more information, please click here.

Old Montreal in Montreal, Quebec – Appreciate and enjoy old historic buildings, fine dining and great shopping. For more information, please click here.

We have only mentioned a few must-see landmarks, be sure to check out the other great sites, landmarks, and activities Canada has to offer and make the most out of your Canadian experience! Happy exploring!

The post Exploring Canada! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

Let’s get started!

British Columbia – The 95^th Annual Vancouver International AutoShow, taking place from March 24^th to March 29^th at the Vancouver Convention Center. For more information, please click here.

Alberta – Western Canada Fashion Week will be celebrating their 10^th Anniversary at the ATB Financial Arts Barn, located in Edmonton, during March 27^th through to April 4^th. For more information, please click here.

Manitoba – At Winnipeg’s Forks Market, during March 28^th to April 5^th, Festival of Fools will be hosted. For more information, please click here.

Saskatchewan – Participate in an Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt at Government House, located in Regina, from April 3^rd to April 5^th between 9AM and 4PM. For more information, please click here.

Ontario – Similar to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) that is hosted annually in September, comes the TIFF Kids International Film Festival from April 7^th to April 19^th. For more information, please click here.

Quebec – Enjoy Spring Madness between March 28^th to April 26^th at Mount-Sainte-Anne. For more information, please click here.

Prince Edward Island – In Charolettetown on March 29^th at 3:00PM, The Confederation Centre Youth Chorus will be performing the Choral Music Programme: Voices of Spring. For more information, please click here.

Nova Scotia – The 2015 Ford Worlds Men’s Curling Championship will be hosted at the Scotiabank Centre between March 28^th and April 5^th. For more information, please click here.

New Brunswick – Participate in Explorer Saturdays at the New Brunswick Museum, located in Saint John, on March 28^th between 10AM and 4PM. For more information, please click here.

Newfoundland and Labrador – On March 28^th, skiers and snowboarders can participate in the event Great Labrador Loppet. For more information, please click here.

Yukon – Enjoy the 58^th Annual Muskrat Jamboree from March 27^th to March 30^th. For information, please click here.

Northwest Territories – Attend Long John Jamboree in Yellowknife being hosted on March 27^th through to March 29^th. For more information, please click here.

Nunavut – In Iqaluit, the Toonik Tyme Festival will be taking place during April 2^nd to April 10^th. For more information, please click here.

On behalf of BLG Airlines, we’d like to thank you for joining us on this trip and we are looking forward to seeing you on board again soon!

The post From Coast to Coast first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

The Quebec Skilled Worker Programme (QSWP);

This program is compared to the Federal Skilled worker program; however, Quebec applies a point based system in which an applicant can earn a maximum of 22 points and language is a key component.

All applicants must be qualified to work in one of the 146 listed professions. Emphasis is placed on careers in nursing and engineering.  The time frame to accept applications is from April 1 2014 to March 31, 2015. During this time 6,500 applications will be accepted for review by the Government of Quebec.

According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) applicants for this program will need to be prompt when submitting their applications as the cap for 6500 may be reached before the end of the programme year.

The Investor Programme (IP)

Investors are eligible to apply for this program if:

• They are able to invest $800,000 CAD for 5 years;
• Demonstrate a net worth of at least 1.6 million Canadian dollar; and
• Managerial experience.

This investment will provide them with a Quebec Selection Certificate which will be transferred to permanent residency for the investor and their family.

They may also choose to contribute a one-time payment of $220,000 with a financing option. The application time frame for this program will run from September 8, 2014- September 19, 2014.  During this time only 1750 applications will be accepted.

The Entrepreneur Programme (EP)

Has been opened for applications, the Government of Quebec has said to accept a maximum of 500 applications from entrepreneurs and self-employed persons, there has been no mention of a time frame.

Although in Canada, the province of Quebec does apply its own immigration rules, which are not the same as in Ontario and other provinces.

The post Quebec’s immigration programmes to accept new applications first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.