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Canada's Immigration Minister Stands Firm on Targets

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Andrew R. Michaud

• October 31, 2023

Canada's Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to its immigration targets, stating that the country's economy relies on filling labor shortages in key sectors. Despite concerns about the impact of high immigration levels on housing, healthcare, and traffic congestion, Miller argues that scaling back the targets would not be beneficial.

Updated Targets Set to be Released

This week, Miller is set to release updated multiyear immigration targets for Canada. Last year, the country announced an increase in targets, aiming to reach 500,000 immigrants by 2025. This represents an 85% increase compared to 2015 when the Liberal government took office.

Population Growth and its Challenges

Canada has experienced a remarkable rise in population growth, with numbers surpassing those of other Group of Seven economies. However, experts argue that the ambitious immigration targets are contributing to an overheated housing market, placing strain on the healthcare system, and causing congestion on poorly equipped roads.

Public Opinion Shifts

Recent polls indicate a growing number of Canadians believe that the country's immigration targets are set too high. According to a report from the Environics Institute for Survey Research, public sentiment regarding immigration levels has changed significantly over the past year.

Despite these concerns and shifting public opinion, Minister Miller remains steadfast in his commitment to fulfilling labor demands in crucial sectors through immigration.

Government Tracking Numbers Amidst Opposition to Targets

In a recent statement, Jeanie Miller, a spokesperson for the Liberal government, emphasized the importance of keeping track of numbers despite opposition to Canada's targets. Miller explained, "I don't see, knowing what I know, a scenario in which it makes sense to drop the numbers. I'm not dogmatic and we are tracking the numbers, I think more intensely than we have in the past."

Addressing concerns raised by various polls that highlight resistance to the country's targets, Miller sees these results as a call for action. She believes it signifies a need for governments to address pressing issues faced by Canadians, including housing shortages and affordability. Miller also pointed out that leaders in the corporate sector and unions have expressed a growing demand for skilled workers.

The construction industry, for instance, estimates that about a quarter of home-building workers will retire by 2031. As a result, companies will have to recruit over 100,000 new workers to fill this looming gap.

In response to these challenges, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has indicated that the government is considering implementing limitations on the number of immigrants arriving on temporary visas for work or study. Recent data from Statistics Canada shows a significant increase of 46% in the number of temporary visa holders residing in Canada compared to the previous year. At the end of the second quarter, an estimated 2.2 million temporary visa holders were living in Canada.

It's important to note that the government currently does not have any specific caps or targets regarding the issuance of temporary visas. This ongoing discussion reflects the government's commitment to managing immigration effectively while ensuring Canada's economic and social needs are met.