In a move to address housing shortages and infrastructure strain, Canada is set to reduce its temporary resident intake by approximately 20% over the next three years. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the new targets, which aim to decrease the temporary resident population from 6.2% to 5% of the national populace.
The decision marks the first time Canada will establish a target for temporary resident arrivals, including foreign workers, international students, and asylum seekers. This measure follows a period of rapid population growth fueled by immigration, which has seen Canada’s population surge to nearly 41 million.
While immigration has been a cornerstone of Canada’s economic strategy to counteract an aging demographic and declining birth rates, the recent influx has intensified pressure on housing and services, leading to soaring rents and public discontent.
The government’s approach seeks to balance economic demands with the sustainability of its immigration system, which has faced diminishing public support. The new policy also includes a review of existing programs to align them more closely with labor market needs and to eliminate system abuses.
The announcement comes after a series of adjustments to immigration levels, including a reduction in international student permits and a stabilization of permanent resident numbers. These changes reflect Canada’s efforts to manage growth responsibly while addressing the challenges of an expanding workforce and the needs of various economic sectors.