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OTTAWA — The federal government has frozen immigration levels for the seventh straight year, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced Wednesday, noting Canada will admit between 240,000 and 265,000 newcomers in 2013.

Having already indicated that Canada was moving to prioritize young people with strong language and marketable skills, Kenney also indicated that the Canada Experience Class would grow to 10,000, up from 2,500 in 2009.

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The stream, which facilitates permanent residency for temporary foreign workers and international post-secondary students who’ve already gained Canadian experience, has been growing steadily every year. More than 6,000 were admitted through the program in 2011.

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“Immigration plays a vital role in our country’s long-term prosperity,” Kenney said.

“Our 2013 immigration plan will build on our economic success by bringing in more of the world’s top talent who already have a successful track record in Canada.”