This latest comes news as the Canadian Government tries to deal with the country’s housing shortages, hoping to stabilize the markets. The Canadian Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, said that the country needed to consider its existing infrastructure when it comes to immigration. He also went on to say the country will continue to offer humanitarian shelter to those who need it and is aware of potential economic decline if the available workforce makes it difficult for businesses to operate.
Minister Miller also clarified that the government is trying to find the right balance between allowing immigration and keeping its economy healthy. He also said the Canadian government was working to increase collaboration with partner countries to help keep immigration under control.
According to Miller, Canada saw one of the world’s fastest population growth rates of a record-breaking 2.9 percent. However, this number also included temporary workers and international students. Regardless, immigration into Canada is mostly permanent, with the country seeing record numbers in recent years.
The Canadian government has typically been welcoming of immigrants in the past, mostly with strong overall support from the public. This support comes partly down to the country’s location and geography which make it easier for the Canadian government to manage its borders when compared to many other countries. As such, Canada hasn’t faced the same undocumented immigration issues experienced elsewhere in the world, helping the Canadian public remain warm to newcomers.
However, with immigration increasing the burden on housing and other infrastructure, some of that support is beginning to wane and the government has been on the receiving end of some criticism. Some critics accuse the government of allowing immigration to contribute to a population boom that helped limit the availability of homes.
This move is the first time in 10 years that the Canadian government won’t be increasing their immigration targets. However, while targets won’t be increased, there are also no current plans to decrease them. Current targets of 485,000 permanent immigrants in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025 will remain, but targets will stay at 500,000 in 2026 and for the foreseeable future.
Regardless, Canada still maintains its reputation for its positive approach to immigration, with most recognizing the halt in the increase as being down to genuine concerns over existing infrastructure.
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