Canada is tightening its immigration policies as political tensions over immigration rise ahead of the federal election.
Recent data shows a significant increase in the ratio of refused visitor visa applications compared to approvals in 2024, reaching the highest levels since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notably, in January, February, May, and June of this year, more visa applications were rejected than approved.
Additionally, there has been a marked decrease in the approval rates for study and work permits.
In July 2024, Canada denied entry to nearly 6,000 foreign travelers, including students, workers, and tourists, the highest number recorded since at least January 2019.
This shift appears significant but informal, as no official policy changes have been announced.
Shifting Public Opinion on Immigration in Canada
The ongoing cost of living crisis has led to a significant change in Canadian public opinion on immigration, aligning with stricter immigration measures.
A Nova Scotia-based immigration lawyer has observed a rise in client rejections and a growing hostility towards immigrants.
The lawyer mentioned that remarks and attitudes previously deemed unacceptable are now being openly voiced.
In response to these developments, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that his ministry would reevaluate the number of permanent residency applications.
Miller stressed the importance of implementing “real, significant change” rather than making superficial adjustments to address public concerns.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also indicated that his government plans to scale back the temporary foreign worker (TFW) program, following a surge in applications.
The program, criticized by a UN special rapporteur as a “breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery,” saw employers approved to hire 239,646 temporary foreign workers in 2023, more than double the 108,988 hired in 2018.
Restriction of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
The temporary foreign worker program is increasingly being utilized to fill positions in sectors such as fast food and construction.
Significantly, the number of low-wage jobs filled in the healthcare sector has surged by over 15,000% since 2018.
In response to these concerns, Trudeau announced that employers in regions with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher would no longer be permitted to hire low-wage temporary foreign workers, with the exception of “food security sectors” like agriculture, food, and fish processing.
Exemptions have also been granted to the construction and healthcare sectors.
Trudeau further hinted at the possibility of reducing the number of permanent residents accepted each year, marking a notable shift from his administration’s previous stance of increasing immigration levels.
He underscored the importance of responsible immigration that ensures successful integration for all newcomers.
Political Consequences Before the Federal Election
With a federal election approaching, immigration has become a central issue for political leaders.
The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, has strongly criticized the Liberal government’s current immigration policies, accusing them of permitting too many people to enter the country too quickly.
Poilievre, whose party is leading in the polls, has criticized Trudeau’s government for increasing the population faster than new housing can be built. He has promised that, if elected, his party will link Canada’s population growth to the rate of new housing construction.
Despite these criticisms, both Trudeau and Miller have defended high immigration levels, arguing they are essential for Canada’s economic growth. They have, however, acknowledged that the rapid rise in immigration, combined with inadequate infrastructure investment, has contributed to current challenges.
In response, the federal government announced in late 2023 that it would freeze permanent resident targets for the next three years to keep immigration levels manageable. The plan targets admitting 485,000 permanent residents in 2024, with an increase to 500,000 for both 2025 and 2026. This represents a notable rise from the 296,000 permanent residents admitted in 2016.
As Canada deals with these complex issues, the debate over immigration is expected to significantly influence the outcome of the upcoming federal election, with major implications for the country’s future.
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