Canada Considers Significant Changes to Immigration Levels, Immigration Minister Marc Miller

The federal government of Canada is considering substantial changes to its permanent resident levels, as announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller. In a recent interview with CTV News, Miller emphasized that any forthcoming adjustments will be more than just superficial. “Now it’s time to take a look at them and put real options on the table for the prime minister and for other cabinet ministers to look at, and not cosmetic changes simply to deal with public opinion. Real significant change,” he stated.

Miller’s comments were made during the Liberal cabinet’s retreat in Halifax, which has been a focal point for discussions on how to address growing concerns related to housing and affordability in Canada. The federal government has been under increasing pressure to reassess the number of temporary and permanent residents entering the country, as many Canadians struggle with the rising cost of living and housing shortages.

On Monday, the government introduced stricter regulations aimed at reducing the influx of low-wage temporary foreign workers. This move comes in response to the surge in such workers following the COVID-19 pandemic, which created a significant labor shortage across the country. However, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hinted that further changes to immigration policies, specifically concerning permanent residents, could be expected later this fall. These potential changes could signify a significant policy shift for Trudeau’s administration, which has previously been known for its robust support of immigration.

“We’re looking at the various streams to make sure that as we move forward, Canada remains a place that is positive in its support for immigration, but also responsible in the way we integrate and make sure there’s pathways to success for everyone who comes to Canada,” Trudeau remarked during a press briefing in Halifax.

The potential adjustments come after last November’s decision by the federal government to freeze permanent resident targets for the next three years, a move aimed at ensuring the sustainability of Canada’s immigration system. The current plan is to admit 485,000 permanent residents in 2024, with that number increasing to 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026. These figures represent a more than 50% increase from the 296,000 permanent residents admitted in 2016.

When asked about the nature of the “significant” changes being considered, Miller assured that “all options are on the table.” He added, “There will be considerations about whether we reduce what type of immigration that we are supporting. Sixty per cent of our immigration is economically driven. That is probably unprecedented with countries that we compare ourselves to.” Miller highlighted the importance of evaluating whether this approach is still appropriate, and whether the growth in immigration should be paused or even reduced.

In response to questions about whether he takes responsibility for the current state of Canada’s immigration system, Miller acknowledged his role in addressing the issue. “Every minister needs to take responsibility for the files they’re in,” he said. “I think that’s the responsibility I have and in the next year, I think Canadians expect us to continue to take aggressive action where they think it makes sense for the economy in their lives.”

Earlier this year, Miller announced a two-year cap on the number of permits for international students, with the government set to approve around 360,000 undergraduate study permits in 2024 – a significant reduction from the nearly 560,000 permits issued in 2023.

Despite the benefits that high immigration levels have brought to Canada’s workforce, as acknowledged in a December 2023 Bank of Canada economic progress report, the country’s housing supply has struggled to keep pace with the growing population. Statistics Canada reported that the country’s population grew faster in 2023 than at any time since the 1950s, largely due to a sharp rise in temporary residents. As of April 1, 2024, Canada’s population had exceeded 41 million, reaching 41,012,563.

These figures underscore the urgent need for the government to reassess its immigration policies to ensure that Canada remains a welcoming place for newcomers while also addressing the pressing issues of housing and affordability for all residents.