In an interview with CTV News on August 26, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller revealed that he is contemplating adjustments to Canada’s permanent immigration levels.
Table of Contents
Miller indicated he is “considering various options” to manage permanent immigration and suggested that any forthcoming adjustments to immigration levels will be “substantial” rather than merely “cosmetic.” When pressed for details on what “substantial” changes might involve, the Minister replied that “all options are on the table.”
Minister Miller noted that the upcoming Immigration Levels Plan will involve “considerations about whether we should adjust the types of immigration we support.” He highlighted that 60% of current immigration levels are allocated to economic immigrants—a proportion he views as “unprecedented” when compared to similar countries.
However, he also noted that when looking at upcoming levels it was important not to “overcorrect”. He said that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, immigration was a key factor in helping Canada avoid a recession and that future actions will be taken in a “thoughtful fashion.”
The Immigration Levels Plan is an annual publication by the federal immigration department that outlines the number of new permanent residents Canada aims to admit. This plan is updated each year, setting targets for the upcoming year and the following two years. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses this plan to steer its operational strategies.
A Year of Change
Immigration Minister Miller’s remarks come amid a decline in public support for immigration in Canada. Recent polls indicate that support for immigration fell in 2023, driven primarily by increased pressure on housing and concerns about affordability.
In response, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has already taken steps to reduce the number of temporary residents (those holding work/study permits or visitor visas/electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs)). This includes a historic increase in temporary resident levels within the forthcoming Immigration Levels Plan*.
To further address these issues, the immigration department has implemented several key policies:
- Introduced a cap on study permits for international students.
- Announced plans to conduct more “domestic” permanent residence draws.
- Restricted the number of low-wage temporary foreign workers in census metropolitan areas with an unemployment rate exceeding 6%.
In a recent CTV interview, Minister Miller provided additional details on the department’s ongoing efforts: “I still have adjustments to make in the International Student Program… as part of a comprehensive strategy we are continuing to implement,” he stated. The Minister also indicated that some of the forthcoming measures from the immigration department would be announced “in the fall.”
These views were also reflected in recent comments from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “We’re exploring various streams to ensure that Canada continues to be a supportive environment for immigration, while also being responsible in how we integrate newcomers and provide pathways to success for everyone.”
Additionally, as of last year, IRCC has frozen the immigration targets for permanent residents at the 2025 levels, extending these figures through to 2026. The targets for 2025 and 2026 are currently set at 500,000 for each year, though these numbers are nominal and may be adjusted based on Canada’s evolving immigration needs.
The Need for Immigration
In 2024, immigration has emerged as a prominent issue for Canadians, influencing various facets of society. Notably, nearly 100% of labor market growth in Canada is attributable to immigration. This is particularly crucial given the country’s aging population and the impending retirement of a significant portion of the workforce.
Moreover, considering Canada’s publicly funded healthcare, pension, education, and housing systems, a reduction in population growth could have adverse effects on these essential services. An adequate and growing population is vital to sustaining the financial health and effectiveness of these systems.
For more such blogs, click on : https://blog.esseindia.com/
