WC 1325
Canada for an overhaul of the Immigration system introduces measures for affordable and adequate housing, health, and other services
Rashmi Talwar
AMRITSAR November 2nd, 2023—-When a Prime Minister offers his hand for a handshake, it is a distinct honour and courtesy for a citizen of the country, to shake hands with the head of the government. But, in early October this year, a smiling Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, was refused a handshake by an agitated Canadian –“I am not shaking your hand – you f**ked this country”. “How did I mess up this country?” Trudeau is asking the man in a video clip that went viral. The citizen answers- “Can anybody afford a home in this day in Canada? You ruined the whole country. You are sending aid to Ukraine, to a guy who slaughtered his own country!”
It is true that Canada is facing a crisis in housing and in vital services especially health, in consonance to the needs of its growing population, migration being its primary source of growth in its populace. Both the refugee and immigrant policies of Canada have severely strained its services and housing facilities, which prove to be inadequate in ratio to the rate of migration in the country.
Insufficient housing served to jack up rental rates as well as sky-rocketed the prices of houses in Canada. The growing voices of discontent including those of the stakeholder- citizens or migrant newcomer, has found ears. The government admits its shortcomings and is ready for corrective measures- “It is the stakeholders who provided important insight into how we can develop a stronger and more integrated immigration system .” says IRCC (Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada) official.
Now the country is taking vital steps to improve its immigration system. Marc Miller, Minister IRCC, announced a slew of measures mapping out a vision to bolster Canada’s immigration framework, ensuring it remains a driving force for the nation’s economic growth and overall prosperity. “As we move forward, the people who come to Canada will continue to be at the heart of our work, whether they wish to work, study, or call this place their home,” the IRCC states.
Canada posted its biggest population jump in almost seven decades, with the population growing by 2.9% in the 12 months to July 1, 2023, to more than 40 million.
A whopping 20-25 % of the immigrant population in Canada comes from India. At least 40% of the ‘foreign student’ strength too emerges from India. In the year 2022, as many as 4,37,000 new immigrants were admitted and in the present year 4,65,000 is the target.
Canada’s lenient refugee policy, also allowed more than 80,000 Ukrainians to enter, which raised heckles of Canadians who are facing the highest inflation rate in food, lifestyle and housing.”These actions can help shape a system that meets the needs of Canada’s economy and labor market. Changes will be implemented through whole-of-government collaboration and a focus on welcoming the people needed for the future while maintaining the safety, security, and integrity of the system,” the IRCC said in a statement.
Significantly, immigration remains the main driver of population growth in Canada. In 2021, more than 8.3 million people, or almost one-quarter (23%) of the population, were new immigrants or permanent residents in Canada.
The world is watching with interest the falling proportion of Canada’s population within the working-age category which is fast diminishing. Just 50 years past, the ratio stood at around seven workers for every senior citizen in the country.
Currently, Canada has roughly three workers for each senior, and it is anticipated that this proportion will further decline to nearly two workers per senior in the near future. The aging workforce carries significant economic implications, such as persistent labor market shortages.
A recent study by – the Institute for Canadian Citizenship and The Conference Board of Canada highlighted a growing trend of newcomers in Canada opting to leave, posing a significant challenge to a nation heavily reliant on immigration for its population and economic growth.
Videos of unhappy immigrants are regularly uploaded on YouTube with talk show hosts in growing numbers picking on them to open up about life in Canada seen from the eyes of an immigrant, with 90% wishing to leave the country. Though these videos do not allow any formal percentage of unhappiness quotient, they are the growing voices of discontent in the country of their migration.
The report highlights the potential risks of Canada failing to meet the expectations of its newcomers, who are grappling with issues like deteriorating housing affordability, strains on the healthcare system, and challenges related to underemployment. It also emphasizes how disillusionment among immigrants can hurt progress, even in a country that consistently achieves new records in terms of population growth.
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Canada takes ‘7’ measures
In its report ‘An immigration system for Canada’s future’, the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) took cognizance and outlined seven measures which include:
Integrated planning that will align housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and other vital services, with immigration levels, in close cooperation with provinces, territories, and municipalities. It intends to install a Newcomer Advisory Body, for formulating an advisory body of newcomers with immigration experience to offer insights for enhancing programs, policies, and service delivery. Another measure is about Improving the International Student Program, which deals with expediting study permit processing. The creation of a Chief International Talent Officer position that will better align immigration programs with the labour market, including industry and sector strategies.
Two other measures relate to offering refugee status calling for a Swift Response to Global Crises, to make the immigration system agile and equipped to address global humanitarian crises efficiently and equitably. Besides, empowering Francophone Communities, Canada intends to develop a new ‘Francophone Immigration Policy’ to enhance the vitality of Francophone minority communities while also bolstering the demographic presence of French linguistic minorities in the country. And lastly, a User-Friendly Website, to help applicants easily access information.
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Canada to overhaul its immigration system
The Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 comes only a day after Immigration Minister Marc Miller acknowledged shortcomings in the country’s immigration system and ensured to overhaul the system.
“IRCC has been engaging with stakeholders and the public throughout the year to help shape the future of a stronger immigration system,” the Canadian immigration minister said.
Soon after Millers’ announcement, IRCC released its new strategic report so that stakeholders were informed of the department’s intentions.
IRCC said it is working to better align immigration with the labor market, modernize the application process, enhance application processing standards, support smaller communities in attracting newcomers, and promote French-speaking immigration throughout Canada.
In the report, IRCC has identified three pillars and a number of actions to take to maintain Canada’s status as a destination of choice for newcomers:
Create a more welcoming experience for newcomers
Align immigration with labour market needs
Develop a comprehensive and coordinated growth plan
In 2022, Canada broke the record for new immigrants at 437,000 admissions. The target for permanent resident admissions in 2023 is 465,000. And, the Canadian government is further pursuing a new strategy to improve the immigration system.
Earlier this year, to further target economic immigrants who are best suited to help Canada close the labour force gap, IRCC introduced category-based selection rounds of invitations for Express Entry candidates who have work experience in an in-demand sector, or the ability to promote the French language outside of Quebec.
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Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026: IRCC to release PR entry plans for the next three years today.
Canada is scheduled to release its Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 on Wednesday
The Immigration Levels Plan lists the guidelines regarding the number of permanent residents who will be invited to Canada in the next three years under each of the three immigration classes:
- Economic
- Family
- Humanitarian
Interestingly, under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), the federal government is required to unveil its annual immigration plan in the non-election year in early November.
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Rashmi Talwar Saanjh-Togetherness 