Immigration newsletter 10 May 2010

At the time of writing almost all the results have come in for the UK General Election. As expected there have been significant gains for the Conservatives who are expected to increase their MPs in parliament by about a hundred. The Labour Party will lose about ninety seats and the Liberal Democrat will lose about five seats. No single political party will have enough of a majority to form a Government by themselves. This means that for the first time in over thirty years there will be a Hung Parliament. 

The percentage share of the vote is as follows:
 

• Conservative: 36.2 
• Labour: 29.1 
• Liberal Democrat: 22.9 

The Conservative or Labour Party will have to reach an agreement with the Liberal Democrats on power sharing. The Liberal Democrats have more liberal views on immigration issues than the other parties. Overall, this may benefit immigrants who wish to come to the UK or remain in the UK.

Australian immigration had previously stated that the new Australian skilled occupation list would be announced on 30 April 2010. This has now been delayed to sometime in May 2010. The Australian Government has said that the new skilled occupation list would focus on higher level skilled occupations and trades.

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) had previously said that the new skilled occupation list would be in use by mid 2010. It is not clear whether the delay in announcing the new skilled occupation list will also mean a delay in the implementation of the new list.

Canadian Immigration Minister Kenney recently launched a new interactive online resource, part of the official Canadian immigration website that covers civics, history, and citizenship specifically for students and teachers. 

The first module of the new internet based resource is called "A Fun Path to Learning" and is based on the new citizenship study guide Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. Through games and activities the interactive guide will help students leave about Canada's history and political institutions. There will be future modules that will help you learn about the monarchy and immigration.

Recently, Canada Immigration Minister Jason Kenney and Dr Eric Hoskins the Ontario Immigration Minister signed an extension to the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement (COIA).

“In extending the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement, we signal our commitment to continue to collaborate to attract, retain and integrate immigrants into communities in Ontario while exploring new ways to improve immigrant outcomes,” said Immigration Minister Kenney. “The extension of this agreement prolongs our support for immigrant settlement programs, including language training and programs for newcomer youth.”