Twenty-five years after the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) came into force, Canada's immigration system is entering a new phase of development. As economic priorities shift and immigration programs continue to evolve, legal and industry professionals are placing greater emphasis on how the system can remain responsive to labour market needs, business growth, and long-term national objectives.
From May 28–30, 2026, CBGA took part in the CBA Immigration Law Conference 2026 in Ottawa as an official sponsor. Hosted by the Canadian Bar Association, the conference brought together immigration lawyers, government officials, policymakers, and industry professionals to discuss the future of immigration, refugee, and citizenship law in Canada. Featured speakers included The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Scott Harris, Associate Deputy Minister at IRCC, and other leading legal and policy professionals from across Canada.
The conference theme, "25 Years of IRPA: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going," encouraged participants to reflect on the evolution of Canada's immigration framework and the policy shifts shaping its future. Discussions highlighted the growing importance of economic immigration, the increasing role of Provincial Nominee Programs, evolving employer compliance requirements, and the impact of digital transformation on immigration practice.
Of particular interest to CBGA were sessions focused on business immigration and entrepreneurship, including entrepreneur-focused Provincial Nominee Program streams and economic immigration pathways for business owners and investors. A recurring theme was the growing role of regional immigration approaches in supporting entrepreneurship and investment across Canada.
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