Since Express Entry was first launched in January, 2015, the Government has processed applications through the new system, in addition to working through a backlog of applications submitted before Express Entry came into operation. In the 12-month period under review, processing times for all permanent residence programs together decreased by a massive 42 percent.

Provincial governments have also been active in lobbying the federal government for larger allocations for the PNPs; Nova Scotia and British Columbia, in particular, have been successful in this regard. When the Government revealed its 2016 Immigration Plan in March, it set a target of up to 48,000 for new arrivals through the PNPs this year alone.

One of the first signature acts of Canada’s new Liberal government was the arrival of Syrian refugees, which began in November, 2015. This spike in refugee immigrants partly explains the overall increase.

The Liberal Government has been vocal in its support of immigration and immigrants across all categories. The Government has recognized that Canada faces demographic and labour challenges, and that immigration is an important part of the solution to these challenges.

Increased language proficiency requirements for most programs have discouraged permanent resident applications from China.

The individuals who would qualify under Canada’s new skilled worker program — young, highly skilled, and English- or French-speaking — feel their economic prospects are better in China.