The federal government will use new power to handpick immigrants to address Canada’s skill shortages, increase the sponsorship of parents and grandparents, and begin issuing temporary visas for spouses while their permanent residence applications are being processed.“This year’s immigration-levels plan will help businesses find the workers they need, set Canada on a path that will contribute to our long-term success, and allow us to make good on key commitments to vulnerable people fleeing violence, war and persecution,” Immigration Minister Sean Fraser told a news conference in Toronto.According to the new multi-year plan, which has to be tabled each year by Nov. 1, a revamped skilled-immigration system will help target candidates with the required skills and qualifications in sectors facing acute labour shortages — such as health care, manufacturing, building trades and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).Federal immigration officials will also further expand on regional programs to address local labour market needs through the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program, and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.Overall, the number of new immigrants admitted under the skilled immigration programs will increase from 266,210 to 301,250 over the next three years, while those admitted under family reunification will rise from 106,500 to 118,000."