Canada needs more immigrants to solve a problem caused by immigrants
Canada is required by law to release immigration targets for how many permanent residents it aims to welcome to the country by November 1 each year (there is an exception for election years). The latest release continues the trend of outlining the numbers of permanent residents projected over the next three years allocated according to 4 broad categories with sub-targets for each: economic, family, refugee and humanitarian.
The overall target for 2024 and 2025 will remain as indicated in last year’s 3 year levels plan: 485,000, then 500,000. However, the target will not increase for 2026 but will remain flat at 500,000.
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It is important to note that these targets do not relate strictly to newcomers. The Immigration Minister noted that 35% of the next year’s permanent residents are already in Canada. Thus, while there is a housing crisis in Canada, 35% of 485,000 targeted for next year are already being housed.
Also, the targets relate only to permanent residents and do not cover the 2.2 million people in Canada who are visiting, studying or working in temporary status. There are no caps on visitors, workers or students and Canada is on track to bring in 900,000 international students alone next year.
While the Immigration Minister has been quite clear that newcomers are needed to address labour shortages, he also seems to be recognizing that public support for immigration has plummeted given many have been blaming newcomers for the housing shortage. This is unfortunate given governments have long failed to address housing issues before the more recent increases in temporary and permanent residents.
Canada decides to cap immigration targets as it
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