Canada’s refugee employment pilot now faces 54-month delays (EMPP delays), while new studies highlight Francophone teacher shortages and over $1M in funding to support bilingual entrepreneurship. Get the full update and learn how Go Canada Services can help.
Canada’s refugee employment program struggles with extended processing delays – EMPP delays
Canada’s national effort to connect employers with skilled refugees is buckling under unprecedented delays. The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) — once promoted as an innovative immigration model supporting both humanitarian protection and labour market needs — has seen processing times jump from just 6 months to more than 54 months.
Originally launched in 2018 to help employers fill chronic labour shortages across sectors such as healthcare, engineering, agriculture, trucking, and construction, the program was expected to serve as a model of “refugee-to-workforce” mobility. Instead, employers report production cuts, stalled contracts, and lost revenue while selected refugees remain stranded abroad.
Some candidates with job offers have faced arrests, evictions, and food insecurity while waiting for their applications to be finalized. Hiring companies warn that these delays undermine Canada’s international reputation and directly contradict federal claims of “sustainable immigration levels.”
For refugees and employers navigating this situation, professional guidance through programs like Skilled Worker Program or alternative PR strategies can make a critical difference.
Francophone immigrant teachers could help address French education shortages outside Quebec
A new Statistics Canada study released November 6, 2025, reveals that francophone immigrant teachers are a potential solution to Canada’s growing French-language education shortage — especially outside Quebec.
Key findings include:
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Only 0.1% of immigrants aged 18–60 are foreign-trained Francophone teachers
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Those working outside Quebec are far more likely to teach in French than those in Quebec
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The largest concentrations are in Toronto, Alberta, and British Columbia
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Teachers trained in Egypt, France, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Lebanon show the highest re-employment rates in teaching roles
Despite this potential, foreign credential recognition remains a barrier. That is why pathways like the Permanent Resident Canada stream and academic services such as Study Permits can play a vital role in helping qualified francophone educators transition into the Canadian system.
Canada invests over $1M to boost bilingual talent and Francophone entrepreneurship in southern Ontario
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario has announced over $1 million in funding to build bilingual workforce capacity and support Francophone-led business initiatives. Funding will strengthen up to 12 small and medium-sized enterprises in sectors like tourism, sustainability, and community services.
Investments include:
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$350,000 for the Fédération des gens d’affaires francophones de l’Ontario to support 200 businesses with French-language services
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$600,000 to Collège Boréal for training Francophone newcomers and entrepreneurs in Windsor and southwestern Ontario
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Expanded support for the Association canadienne-française de l’Ontario and Conseil régional des Mille-Îles
This funding supports Canada’s broader immigration goals to build an inclusive labour force — especially with programs like Economic Immigration and Education & Academic Services helping newcomers integrate successfully.
Senate committee urged to exempt foreign-adopted children from citizenship connection test
Legal experts are urging the Senate to amend Bill C-3 and eliminate the “substantial connection” requirement for foreign-born adopted children seeking Canadian citizenship. Advocates argue that the rule — which does not apply to children adopted in Canada — creates discrimination and may violate the Charter and international treaties.
Immigration lawyers warn that if Parliament does not address the issue before passing the bill, the government could face constitutional challenges. Families have been lobbying IRCC for years, stating that adopted children should not be at risk of losing status simply due to time spent outside Canada.
Families affected by citizenship or adoption-related issues can explore support options through programs like Family Sponsorship and Contact Go Canada Services for case review.
Featured Services – Explore Key Immigration & Settlement Solutions
| Service | Page |
|---|---|
| Study Permits | https://gocanadaservices.ca/study-permit/ |
| Skilled Worker Program | https://gocanadaservices.ca/skilled-workers/ |
| Permanent Resident Canada | https://gocanadaservices.ca/permanent-resident/ |
| Family Sponsorship | https://gocanadaservices.ca/family-sponsorship/ |
| Free Assessment | https://gocanadaservices.ca/free-assessment/ |
| Contact | https://gocanadaservices.ca/contact/ |
| Immigration News | https://gocanadaservices.ca/news/ |
| Portfolio – Success Stories | https://gocanadaservices.ca/portfolio/ |
Call to Action
Canada’s immigration system is evolving rapidly — from refugee employment pathways to credential recognition and citizenship rights. If you are a newcomer, employer, or family affected by these changes, now is the time to take action:
➡️ Start with your Free Evaluation:
https://gocanadaservices.ca/free-assessment/
➡️ Explore your immigration or study pathway:
https://gocanadaservices.ca/academic-services/
➡️ Need direct help? Contact us here:
https://gocanadaservices.ca/contact/
Go Canada Services has helped people build their future in Canada since 2004 — with expertise in academic, immigration, and integration services backed by transparency and ethical standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the EMPP experiencing such long delays?
The federal government has not expanded processing capacity as fast as demand. Security checks, staffing shortages, and volume increases have pushed timelines to over 50 months in some cases.
Can employers still hire refugees while the EMPP delays continue?
Yes, but many are now using alternative programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or arranging PR-based hiring while waiting for policy fixes.
Can foreign-trained Francophone teachers immigrate and work in Canada?
Yes. They can qualify under skilled worker pathways and then pursue credential recognition to teach in French-language settings outside Quebec.
How does Bill C-3 affect foreign-adopted children?
Without change, they may be forced to prove a “substantial connection” to Canada or risk losing citizenship — a requirement not applied to domestically adopted children.
How can Go Canada Services help newcomers dealing with these issues?
Through personalized immigration strategies, educational pathways, credential assistance, and settlement services. Start through the Free Assessment to get customized guidance.
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