Immigration minister criticized after policy details shared in influencer interview

Canada’s immigration minister is facing criticism from legal professionals after discussing details of a proposed immigration program during a social media interview before any formal government announcement.

Minister Lena Metlege Diab, in an interview with influencer Max Medic, said the federal government is preparing a new pathway to permanent residency for thousands of temporary residents. According to the interview, the proposed program would focus on individuals living outside major metropolitan areas.

The Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association said in a statement it has sent a letter to the minister raising concerns about how the information was disclosed. According to the association, sharing policy details through a private influencer’s platform, particularly one linked to immigration-related business activities, raises questions about transparency and fairness.

The association argues the approach could create the perception of preferential access and provide an undue advantage to a private platform. It also said major policy announcements should be made through official government channels to ensure equal access to information.

It is not clear when the federal government plans to formally announce the program or release full eligibility criteria. Connect Newsroom contacted the minister’s office for comment. No response by publication time.