Canada's immigration minister announced plans to set targets to reduce the number of new temporary residents in the country. This marks the first time Canada will be implementing such targets, with the aim of decreasing the current 6.2% of temporary residents to 5% over the next three years.
The decision comes in response to a significant increase in the influx of temporary residents each year, leading the minister to describe the country as being 'addicted' to temporary workers. The initial targets are expected to be established in September.
In January, Canada introduced a two-year cap on international student visas as part of efforts to alleviate pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services amidst record immigration levels. The country's population grew by approximately 1 million people last year, reaching a historic 40 million, while many Canadians grapple with rising living costs, including rents and mortgages.
The Minister of Employment highlighted the shift in the economic landscape, prompting the need for a reevaluation of temporary resident levels. A meeting involving provincial, territorial, and federal ministers is scheduled for May to discuss the criteria for setting these levels.
Furthermore, the minister has instructed his department to conduct a review of existing programs that facilitate the entry of temporary residents. The goal is to align these programs more closely with labor market demands and to address any instances of abuse within the system.
