International Students Exploited for ‘Abuse,’ Not Education By Some, Says Freeland

Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, addressed growing concerns surrounding the country’s international student program and Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) program, highlighting systemic abuses and the need for reform. Speaking on Thursday, Freeland underscored the government’s efforts to curb the misuse of these programs, particularly in light of recent policy shifts.

Freeland’s remarks followed closely on the heels of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement to restrict the number of low-wage temporary foreign workers in Canada. The exception lies in certain essential sectors that are still grappling with labor shortages. This decision is part of a broader initiative to control immigration numbers, including a cap on international student admissions that was announced earlier this year.

Freeland expressed concern over institutions that have exploited international students and temporary foreign workers. “We see them (international students and foreign workers) as new Canadians who have so much to offer and so much to contribute. That is a great thing about Canada. Having said that, there have been some abuses to the system,” Freeland stated, placing the blame squarely on unethical institutions.

Freeland pointed out that some educational institutions are not genuinely invested in providing quality education to international students but are instead focused on exploiting them. “Something that I think we all recognize is when it comes to international students, we have seen some institutions not invite students here to really give them a good education, but really to abuse them. And that is not OK,” she emphasized.

As the political landscape heats up, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre addressed questions about his approach to immigration if elected. He suggested a more measured population growth, arguing, “We need to have a growth rate that is below the growth in housing, health care, and employment.” His comments reflect a growing concern among some Canadians about the strain on public services and the labor market.

The federal government’s decision to cap the number of international students has significant implications. The cap is expected to reduce the number of approved study permits to around 364,000 this year, marking a 35% decrease from 2023. This reduction is seen as a necessary step to alleviate pressure on the housing market and other social services, although it also raises concerns about the potential economic impact, given the substantial contributions international students make to the Canadian economy.

The Temporary Foreign Worker program has expanded rapidly in recent years, more than doubling the number of positions since 2016, according to data from Employment and Social Development Canada. While the program played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to fill critical labor shortages, it has faced criticism for suppressing domestic wages and exposing workers to potential abuse.

Freeland acknowledged the importance of the TFW program during the pandemic but noted that the circumstances have changed. “It makes so much sense to say, you know what, if unemployment is six per cent or higher, we’re not going to be processing new applications for temporary foreign workers. There are Canadians in your city who need a job, look to them and offer those jobs to them,” Freeland remarked.

Migrant rights groups have voiced strong opposition to the new policies, accusing the government of unfairly targeting migrants for broader economic challenges. Syed Hussan, Executive Director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, argued, “High unemployment, low wages, and unaffordable housing is not being caused by immigrants and migrants — these are caused by employer exploitation and policy failures. Migrants build communities, and they deserve equal rights and respect, not scapegoating.”

Starting September 26, the federal government will implement stricter regulations on low-wage temporary foreign workers in regions with an unemployment rate of six percent or higher. Employers will face a cap limiting the proportion of low-wage TFWs to 10% of their workforce, and the maximum duration of employment will be reduced from two years to one. These measures follow Quebec’s recent announcement of a six-month freeze on low-wage TFWs in Montreal, set to take effect next month.

As Canada navigates these policy changes, the debate continues over the balance between protecting domestic workers and ensuring fair treatment for migrants and international students. The outcomes of these decisions will likely shape Canada’s immigration landscape for years to come.