Canada’s immigration minister is facing criticism from legal experts who say unclear and sporadic communication about a proposed new permanent residence program is creating confusion and exposing vulnerable migrants to misinformation.
The Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association says many of its members are reporting a sharp increase in anxiety, questions, and uncertainty surrounding the anticipated Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Program.
The proposed program, first referenced in last November’s federal budget, is expected to provide permanent residence opportunities to 33,000 skilled temporary foreign workers employed in sectors facing labour shortages.
Interest in the pathway has been intense as many temporary residents in Canada struggle to secure permanent status amid reduced immigration targets and tighter selection rules.
At the centre of the controversy is Lena Metlege Diab, who has discussed aspects of the program publicly before full official details were released.
In a recent online interview, the minister indicated the program may focus on temporary residents living outside major urban centres, particularly those working in rural communities for around two years. However, no full eligibility rules, official launch date, or formal application details have yet been published.
The lawyers’ association says releasing partial information through interviews and informal platforms rather than official government channels has created space for speculation and misinformation.
In an open letter authored by immigration lawyer Grace Allen, the association warned that anxious migrants may make major life decisions or pay unauthorized representatives based on incomplete or inaccurate information.
The group says fragmented messaging can be exploited by unscrupulous consultants or agents marketing services tied to a program that has not been fully announced.
The interview in question was conducted by Max Medyk, founder of I’m Canada. Medyk rejected suggestions that the conversation caused public confusion, saying his platform aims to make policy easier to understand and that no endorsement of his company was sought or given.
The minister’s office said she regularly engages with a broad range of media and online audiences as part of her public duties and has not endorsed any private immigration service provider.
Officials added that all relevant updates on the TR to PR program will ultimately be shared through official government channels.
The lawyers’ association is now calling on the federal government to clearly confirm whether the program has officially launched, when full criteria will be released, and whether any private platform has a formal relationship with the department.
For thousands of temporary residents waiting for clarity, the biggest issue now is certainty — and when official answers will replace speculation.