In a recent meeting with leaders from provinces and territories, Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller proposed a significant shift in immigration policy: transitioning a larger number of temporary residents to permanent residency. This strategy is aimed at managing the growing temporary resident population, which stood at 6.2% of the national population in 2023, with a goal to reduce this to 5% within the next three years.
Minister Miller highlighted that the current influx of temporary residents has put pressure on housing and other critical services. Although not all temporary visa holders will be eligible for permanent residency, the move is expected to alleviate some of the existing strains by reducing the number of people living temporarily in Canada.
The proposal has received backing from several provincial ministers who are keen on expanding their respective immigration programs to facilitate this transition. These developments are part of a broader plan to establish new targets for the proportion of temporary residents, set to be finalized and published in the upcoming fall after more comprehensive consultations with provincial and territorial governments.
This initiative marks a pivotal change in Canada’s approach to immigration, aiming to strike a sustainable balance between temporary and permanent stays. It underscores the country’s commitment to not only welcoming newcomers but also integrating them into the fabric of Canadian society.