Canadian immigration reshuffle? Minister reveals: This is really going to be a big fight, it's not a small matter!
Canadian Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller announced in an interview with CTV News on August 26 that he is considering adjusting the criteria for Canadian permanent residency.
Specifically, regarding the permanent resident indicator, he is "considering multiple options" and the upcoming changes in immigration indicators will be "significant" rather than "superficial". When asked to provide a detailed explanation of what the 'significant' change was, the minister responded by saying 'all options are under consideration'.
The Canadian Immigration Department publishes immigration indicators for the next three years annually. Miller stated that in the upcoming plan, consideration will be given to whether to reduce which category of immigration. He pointed out that 60% of the immigration quota is set specifically for economic immigrants, which is "unprecedented" among countries comparable to Canada.
He also said, "We must see if we have taken the right approach and if this growth is worth continuing, and if it needs to be paused or even reduced
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When asked if he is responsible for the overheating of the immigration system as a minister, Miller said, "Every minister needs to take responsibility for the affairs they are responsible for
Miller said, "I believe this is my responsibility, and next year, I think Canadians expect us to continue taking positive action in areas they consider important to the economy and their lives
He also pointed out that when developing new plans, it is important not to 'over correct' them. He said that immigration was a key factor in helping Canada avoid recession during the COVID-19 pandemic, and future actions will be taken in a 'thoughtful' manner.
The Immigration Levels Plan is an annual document released by the federal immigration department, detailing the number of new permanent residents that Canada wishes to welcome. The plan is updated annually and sets goals for the next year and the next two years. The Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) uses this program to guide its operations.
Changes over the past year
The Minister of Immigration's remarks come at a time when public support for immigration in Canada has declined. Multiple polls last year showed that Canadians' support for immigration has declined, mainly due to increased housing pressure and affordability issues.
To this end, the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) has taken measures to reduce the number of temporary residents (those holding work/study permits or visitor visas/electronic travel authorizations (eTAs)) added, including the historic move to include temporary resident indicators in the new immigration indicator program.
To support this goal, the immigration department has implemented the following policies:
The upper limit of study permits has been implemented for international students;
Announce intention to draw lots for more 'domestic' permanent residency applications;
Limit the number of low wage temporary foreign workers in census urban areas with unemployment rates above 6%.
In an interview with CTV, the minister also elaborated on the measures taken by the immigration department: "I also need to make adjustments to the international student program... this is part of our overall plan for ongoing deployment," Miller said. "The immigration department is considering some measures... to be announced in the autumn season
Recently, Prime Minister Trudeau's statement also reflects this sentiment: "We are considering various ways to ensure that Canada remains supportive of immigration with a positive attitude, but at the same time, we take responsibility for immigration and ensuring that everyone has a successful path
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In addition, last year the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) maintained the immigration target of 500000 people per year for 2025 and 2026. This is an increase of nearly 50% compared to the 296000 immigrants in 2016. The indicators may be adjusted to reflect the level of need for immigration.
Canada's Demand for Immigration
In Canada, immigration has become a major concern for Canadians in 2024, while also affecting many aspects of Canadian society. For example, the growth of Canada's labor market is almost 100% dependent on immigration. Considering Canada's aging population and the large number of retired workers leaving the labor market in the coming years, the demand for immigrant workers has become even more important.
In addition, considering Canada's socialized healthcare, pension, education, and housing systems, the decrease in population growth may also have a negative impact on these systems.
Source link:
https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/immigration-minister-says-upcoming-changes-to-permanent-resident-levels-not-cosmetic-but-significant-1.7015113