Minister Alexander met with Prime Minister Narendra in India today wrapping up the largest-ever Canadian delegation to the Vibrant Gujarat conference. Part of his discussions highlighted developments in Canada’s economic immigration policy, such as the Start-up Visa program. In the meeting he pointed out that bilateral trade between Canada and India totalled a record $5.8 billion dollars in 2013, and has more than doubled over the last 10 years. More than 1.1 million people living in Canada can trace their heritage back to India and in 2013, more than 33,000 Indian citizens became permanent residents in Canada. With the Start-up Visa, Canada is targeting a new type of immigrant entrepreneur who has the potential to build innovative companies that can create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale.
Earlier in the trip, he delivered a presentation to students and faculty at the Indian Institute of Management. Alexander promoted the benefit of the Start-up Visa Program.
“Canada and India are great partners, and the relationship is only getting stronger – to the benefit of both countries’ economic growth and future prosperity. I was especially pleased to highlight our new Express Entry system and Start-Up Visa program as key parts our government’s plan to build a fast, fair and flexible immigration system that attracts people with the skills to integrate fully and quickly in Canada’s economy and Canadian society.” Chris Alexander, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister
Empowered Startups is one of eleven designated business incubators authorized to particulate in the Start-up Visa program for Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Empowered Startups is currently accepting applications for its 2015 summer incubation program. If you are interested in learning more about the Start-up Visa program or Empowered Startups please contact us at https://empoweredstartups.com/contact/