Canada sets a historic precedent by capping temporary residents to tackle the housing crisis and promote sustainable growth.
As reported by the BBC, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the inaugural cap for September, with a planned decrease over the next three years. This policy will affect international students, foreign workers, and asylum seekers.
Miller explained that Canada aims to lower its temporary resident ratio from 6.2% to 5% of its population due to the ongoing affordability and housing crisis, striving for “sustainable” growth.
As of 2024, Canada houses 2.5 million temporary residents, a significant rise from one million in 2021.
Acknowledging Canada’s need for foreign labour, Miller stressed the necessity for system improvements. He called for a transparent discussion on the implications of rising international migration for Canada’s future.
With a notable increase in international students, foreign workers, and other temporary visitors, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration has utilized immigration to bolster economic growth and address labour shortages.
However, this approach has drawn criticism, with detractors claiming it has intensified the housing crisis and strained provincial services like education and healthcare.
