Major Canada Government Updates Starting January 2026

What Is This Gazette About?

To begin with, the Canada Gazette dated December 27, 2025 shares several important government decisions.
Overall, these updates affect immigration, transportation safety, telecommunications, insurance, and public appointments.
In other words, multiple federal departments announced new rules and notices in one official publication.

Parents & Grandparents PR Program Update

What Has Changed?

Most importantly, the Government of Canada has decided to pause new Parent and Grandparent PR applications starting January 1, 2026.

However, the government will continue processing applications submitted in 2025 throughout 2026.

Why Did the Government Make This Decision?

According to the Minister, this decision helps the government:

• Manage application volumes
• Reduce long processing delays
• Maintain fairness in family reunification

At the same time, Canada continues to prioritize bringing families together.

Who Does This Rule Affect?

Specifically, this change affects:

• Sponsors applying for their parents or grandparents
• Applicants under the Family Class (PGP)

As a result, new applicants must wait until further instructions are released.

What Will Happen to 2025 Applications?

Moving ahead, IRCC will process only those applications received in 2025 during the 2026 calendar year.

Additionally:

• The department will accept up to 10,000 sponsorship applications
• IRCC will reject any application submitted after 2025

Therefore, applicants who already applied remain eligible for processing.

Interest to Sponsor: Important Background

To clarify, sponsors must have:

• Submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020
• Received an official invitation in 2025

Moreover, IRCC selected sponsors through a random lottery system, and sponsors cannot transfer invitations to others.

How Must Applicants Submit Their Applications?

Furthermore, applicants must:

• Submit applications online
• Use alternate formats only if they cannot apply online due to a disability

Otherwise, IRCC will return the application and refund the fees.
That said, IRCC may allow a 30-day extension if documents are missing and the department requests them.

How Will IRCC Process Applications?

Importantly, IRCC will process applications in the exact order they receive them.

Meanwhile, IRCC will not process humanitarian and compassionate requests linked to applications rejected under these rules.

When Do These Immigration Rules Start?

Finally, these immigration instructions officially take effect on January 1, 2026.

Arctic Shipping Update: Oil Restrictions

What Is the New Rule?

Separately, the Minister of Transport introduced a new order to ban certain oils on vessels operating in Arctic waters.

As a result, this rule strengthens marine safety and environmental protection.

Who Must Follow This Order?

In general, the rule applies to:

• Canadian vessels
• Foreign vessels in Canadian Arctic waters
• Pleasure craft operating in Arctic regions

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes, the government allows exceptions for:

• Emergency rescue operations
• Oil carried as cargo
• Small leftover fuel from previous use
• Certain modern and safety-compliant ships

Consequently, essential maritime operations can continue safely.

This order remains valid until December 31, 2026.

Telecom and Radio Frequency Decisions

Meanwhile, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) finalized decisions on:

• The use of 21.2–21.8 GHz and 22.4–23.0 GHz frequency bands

Following public consultation, these bands will support fixed communication services across Canada.

Smart Vehicle Communication Standards

In addition, ISED released RSS-252 (Issue 3), which:

• Sets technical rules for smart vehicle communication systems
• Regulates licence-exempt radio equipment used in transportation

Approval of a New Insurance Company

At the same time, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions approved PACICC-SIMA General Insurance Company.

From January 1, 2026, the company may operate under strict limits related to failed insurance firms.

Government Appointment Opportunities

Lastly, the Government of Canada announced new Governor in Council appointment opportunities.

Overall, the government encourages applications from individuals who:

• Reflect Canada’s diversity
• Promote fairness, inclusion, and respectful workplaces

Each role remains open for at least two weeks.

Final Summary

To sum up:

• Canada will not accept new Parent & Grandparent PR applications from 2026
• IRCC will process 2025 applications (up to 10,000)
• Canada strengthened environmental rules for Arctic shipping
• ISED updated telecom and smart transportation standards
• A new insurance company received approval
• The government invited applications for leadership roles

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding Immigration Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).