Federal Government Updates

Investing in Canadians is our top priority, with the current Fall Economic Statement we hope to be able to help millions of Canadians who are currently struggling with everyday needs. The list below is here to help you stay informed of federal updates that could benefit you.

Dental Benefits

Our plan will provide up to $1,300 over two years through the Canada Dental Benefit for children under 12, starting December 1. This is the first step in our plan to build a Canada-wide dental care program to provide dental care for those who need it. This interim Canada Dental Benefit will be open through CRA My Account. The benefit will support an estimated 500,000 children in Canada and available to eligible families without access to private dental insurance and with an annual family net income under $90,000.

Canada Housing Benefit

In addition to other measures that we have introduced to help make housing more affordable, we are providing a one-time tax-free payment $500 top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit to provide important relief to nearly 2 million low-income renters. Most eligible Canadians can apply starting on December 12

Doubled GST

We have doubled the GST credit for 11 million Canadian households with most eligible Canadians having just received their additional payment. This means up to $234 for single Canadians without children, up to $467 for a family of four, and $225 for seniors on average.

Our Environment

Canada will continue with its 5-year, $5.3 billion climate finance commitment and announced $24 million in new, practical project funding. This goes along with our efforts in giving economic relief to Canadians as this year, families of four in Ontario received $186.25, and 8 out of 10 families will receive more in Climate Action Incentive payments than they will pay as a result of the price on pollution

Immigration Updates

Express Entry Updated

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 for immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system. Using the new NOC categories will allow Canada to bring in global talent in high-demand sectors like healthcare, construction, and transportation. Nurse aides, long-term care aides, hospital attendants, elementary and secondary school teacher assistants, and transport truck drivers are examples of some of the 16 occupations now included in Express Entry.

For more full statement click here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2022/11/solving-labour-shortages-in-key-sectors-like-health-care-construction-and-transportation-workers-from-16-new-occupations-now-eligible-for-permanent.html

Employers and Over 200,000 Foreign Workers to Benefit from New Measure

Starting in January 2023, Canada will expand eligibility to work in Canada to spouses and working-age children for workers at all skill levels, through a phased approach. Currently, spouses are only eligible for a work permit if the principal applicant is working in a high-skilled occupation.

This new temporary measure will further help address labour shortages by assisting employers find the workers they need through expanding the eligibility for work permits to family members accompanying the principal applicant. It is estimated that family members of more than 200,000 foreign workers could begin working in Canada, offering a greater opportunity for both foreign workers seeking to work in Canada and for employers seeking to fill critical job vacancies. This would include families of workers in health care, trades and hospitality.

This measure aims to improve the emotional well-being, physical health, and financial stability of workers by keeping families together. It will support worker retention, as it is expected that the worker will better integrate into their overall work environment and community. This measure will also help international student graduates, as more Post Graduate Work Permit holders will now be able to have their spouses stay or join them in Canada and work.

The temporary measure will be rolled out in three phases to ensure its successful implementation:

Phase one will enable family members of workers in most occupations to apply for an open work permit under the International Mobility Program and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Phase two aims to expand the measure to the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program following consultations to ensure employer housing obligations are met.
Phase three may include expansion to agricultural workers pending consultations with partners and stakeholders and operational feasibility.

For more information see link - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2022/12/employers-and-temporary-workers-to-benefit-from-family-work-permits-to-address-labour-shortages.html