Immigration department questions program admitting jobless foreign artists
Nearly 8,000 'self employed' artists, comedians, and actors have been admitted into Canada since 2014 in an effort to boost the country's 'cultural life.'
An internal Immigration Department review first reported by Blacklock's is questioning whether Canada's self-employed immigration stream for artists, performers and athletes still serves a useful purpose, concluding the program's objectives are unclear, and its economic results are limited.
The evaluation found nearly 7,800 people were admitted through the program between 2014 and 2024, many working as painters, sculptors, photographers, coaches, actors and comedians. The largest groups came from China (31%), Iran (14%) and India (7%).
According to the report, successful applicants earned a median employment income of just $19,500, with most settling in Toronto or Vancouver. While few relied on social assistance, auditors said the program no longer appears well suited to Canada's economic immigration system.
The report also noted a backlog of roughly 11,000 applications, wait times approaching four years and refusal rates as high as 81 percent.
Immigration officials concluded the program's policy intent has never been clearly defined, writing that its "purpose is ambiguous" and recommending a review of its future funding and direction.
Sheila Gunn Reid
Chief Reporter
Sheila Gunn Reid is the Editor-in-Chief, Alberta Bureau Chief, member of the board of directors, and host of The Gunn Show at Rebel News. Sheila also serves as President of the Independent Press Gallery of Canada. A mother of three and longtime conservative activist, Sheila is the author of bestselling books, including her most recent release, Independence Blueprint: What Alberta Can Learn From Quebec.
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