Sets out Canada's immigration objectives: economic growth, family reunification, cultural enrichment, and refugee protection. These objectives guide how IRCC interprets and applies the law. If you're trying to understand why a policy exists, this section is the foundation.
(1)The objectives of this Act with respect to immigration are(a) to permit Canada to pursue the maximum social, cultural and economic benefits of immigration;
(b)to enrich and strengthen the social and cultural fabric of Canadian society, while respecting the federal, bilingual and multicultural character of Canada;
(b.1)to support and assist the development of minority official languages communities in Canada;
(c)to support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy, in which the benefits of immigration are shared across all regions of Canada;
(d)to see that families are reunited in Canada;
(e)to promote the successful integration of permanent residents into Canada, while recognizing that integration involves mutual obligations for new immigrants and Canadian society;
(f)to support, by means of consistent standards and prompt processing, the attainment of immigration goals established by the Government of Canada in consultation with the provinces;
(f.1)to maintain, through the establishment of fair and efficient procedures, the integrity of the Canadian immigration system;
(g)to facilitate the entry of visitors, students and temporary workers for purposes such as trade, commerce, tourism, international understanding and cultural, educational and scientific activities;
(h)to protect public health and safety and to maintain the security of Canadian society;
(i)to promote international justice and security by fostering respect for human rights and by denying access to Canadian territory to persons who are criminals or security risks; and
(j)to work in cooperation with the provinces to secure better recognition of the foreign credentials of permanent residents and their more rapid integration into society.