The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, visited the office of Shafqat Ali, Member of Parliament for Brampton Centre, on Friday, where he met with media personnel and engaged in detailed discussions on Canada’s immigration policies and ongoing challenges.
During the visit, Minister Miller addressed key immigration concerns, including:
- International students and their ongoing challenges
- Credential accreditation for foreign-trained professionals
- Work permits and their implications
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) concerns and its misuse
- The Liberal government’s new immigration plan
Canada has seen a dramatic increase in international student enrollment, with many facing challenges related to affordable housing, work opportunities, and post-graduation pathways to permanent residency. Minister Miller acknowledged the pressing concerns of students, particularly those affected by visa delays, housing shortages, and exploitative work conditions.
“We recognize the struggles that international students face, and we are actively working on policies to ensure they are protected, well-supported, and provided with clear pathways to permanent residency,” said Minister Marc Miller.
A key issue raised during the discussion was the delayed accreditation of foreign professionals’ credentials, which often results in highly skilled newcomers working in jobs below their qualifications.
Minister Miller reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to streamlining the process for doctors, engineers, and other skilled professionals to ensure they can contribute effectively to the Canadian workforce.
“The government is committed to working with provinces and regulatory bodies to accelerate credential recognition so that skilled immigrants can work in their respective fields without unnecessary delays,” said Miller.
The discussion also covered work permit challenges and the LMIA system, which has been misused by some employers to exploit temporary foreign workers. Minister Miller emphasized the need for reforms, ensuring that the system remains fair while also addressing labour shortages in critical sectors.
“While LMIA is an important tool for addressing labour shortages, we must ensure that it is not being misused to underpay workers or exploit vulnerable immigrants. Our government is taking steps to strengthen oversight and enforcement,” stated Minister Miller.
As part of the Liberal government’s new immigration plan, Minister Miller outlined the long-term strategy for attracting skilled workers, addressing demographic challenges, and ensuring economic growth through immigration.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to welcoming over 500,000 newcomers annually by 2026, focusing on:
- Expanding pathways to permanent residency for international students and workers
- Addressing sector-specific labour shortages
- Ensuring fair treatment and support systems for new immigrants
MP Shafqat Ali, who has been a strong advocate for immigration reform, highlighted the efforts made by the Liberal government to improve Canada’s immigration system.
“The Liberal government has taken significant steps to improve immigration policies, create more pathways for permanent residency, and ensure that newcomers are treated with fairness and dignity. We are committed to making Canada a welcoming and prosperous place for all immigrants,” said MP Shafqat Ali.
Minister Miller reiterated that the Liberal government remains committed to working closely with provinces, employers, and immigrant communities to strengthen Canada’s immigration system. He encouraged stakeholders to continue providing feedback so that immigration policies reflect the needs of newcomers and Canadian society as a whole.