Abramovich Immigration Law presents a weekly news review with essential insights and developments in immigration policies. Whether you are planning to move to Canada or need assistance with your current immigration status, our team is here to help. Contact us for personalized advice and legal support tailored to your unique situation.

Canada Set To Welcome Over 500,000 New Immigrants In 2024 

After experiencing two months of immigration growth, Canada saw a slight decline of 4.9% in new permanent residents in June, according to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The country welcomed 34,870 new permanent residents in March, rising to 42,595 in April and 46,835 in May. However, June saw a decrease to 44,540. If this trend continues, Canada could see a total of 511,410 new permanent residents by the end of 2024, surpassing the record set in 2023 and exceeding the immigration target for the year. 

Ontario remained the most popular destination for newcomers, attracting 106,500 new permanent residents in the year’s first half. This accounted for 41.6% of all immigrants to Canada during that period. Various economic programs contributed to 52.7% of these new arrivals in Ontario. Despite a slow start to the year, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, and Ontario saw monthly immigration gains in June, with Newfoundland and Labrador experiencing a 3.7% increase and Quebec a 2.4% rise. Ontario’s immigration numbers remained relatively flat but saw a slight uptick of 0.1%.

Canada Is Among The Top 10 Destinations For Digital Nomads 

Canada is considered one of the top 10 best countries for digital nomads, according to Global Citizen Solutions’ (GCS) Global Digital Nomad Report. The report assessed 65 destinations using 12 key indicators under five indexes: visa costs, benefits, quality of life, economics, and technology and innovation. Canada ranked tenth, outperforming the US, falling behind Portugal, Malta, France, and Hungary. The top three spots went to Spain, the Netherlands, and Norway. 

Digital nomads can visit Canada for up to six months without a work visa if they work remotely for an employer outside of Canada. However, they need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter the country by air, which costs $7 and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires. Canada has been actively attracting digital nomads, hoping some will seek opportunities with Canadian employers and eventually apply for a temporary work permit or permanent residence.

Ontario’s Housing Crisis Worsens Amid Record Population Growth 

Ontario has faced a decade’s worth of population growth in just three years, yet the province’s homebuilding has not kept pace. With nearly 200,000 new residents in the last six months alone, only 37,245 homes were started, a drop of over 6,000 from the same period in 2023. Most of these new homes are one-bedroom or studio apartments, failing to meet the diverse needs of the growing population. This imbalance has led to historically low vacancy rates and skyrocketing rents, with the average one-bedroom apartment in the Greater Toronto Area exceeding $2,000.

The provincial government has set a target to start 125,000 homes this year, but the current pace is far behind, with only 30% of that goal met in the first half of the year. High global interest rates and insufficient provincial action further exacerbate the housing crisis. Meanwhile, other provinces like British Columbia have managed to mitigate the decline in housing starts through aggressive zoning reforms. Addressing Ontario’s housing shortage will require increased homebuilding and measures to manage population growth effectively.

Saskatchewan Added Nearly 23,000 Jobs, Leading The Province In Growth 

In July 2024, Saskatchewan experienced a significant job increase, adding 22,900 new positions year-over-year, as reported by Statistics Canada. This marks the most significant job growth since July 2022, placing Saskatchewan second among provinces in percentage change at 3.9 percent. The province also boasts the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 5.4 percent, below the national average of 6.4 percent. Minister Jeremy Harrison credited this success to the provincial government’s collaboration with job creators and targeted investments. 

Saskatchewan also led the nation in month-to-month labour force growth, with employment rising by 6,700 from June 2024. The province’s labour force reached a historic high of 652,800, and full-time employment climbed to 514,700. Notably, off-reserve Indigenous employment increased by 2,400, or 3.7 percent, compared to July 2023. Major year-over-year gains were observed in wholesale and retail trade, educational services, and healthcare and social assistance, highlighting the province’s robust economic health.

Court Grants Ottawa More Time To Amend Citizenship Law

A court has granted the federal government an extension until December 19 to amend the unconstitutional “lost Canadians” law, which prevents some Canadians born abroad from passing on their citizenship to their children also born abroad. This is the second extension granted to Ottawa. The Ontario Superior Court had initially set a June 20 deadline after ruling that the current Citizenship Act violates constitutional rights. The Liberal government did not pass the bill before the House of Commons adjourned for the summer, leading to the need for an extension. 

Ontario Superior Court Justice Jasmine Akbarali acknowledged the government’s efforts to address hardships faced by Canadians under the existing law during the extension period. She stated that the mechanism in place for urgent cases is sufficient to maintain confidence in the justice system. The government is required to file a plan to address these hardships and a report on the steps needed to pass Bill C-71 by mid-December. The current law affects an estimated 1.48 million Canadians, with significant impacts on women and families, potentially leading to children being stateless and families being separated.

Canada To Tighten Rules On Temporary Foreign Worker Program 

The Employment and Workforce Development Minister Randy Boissonnault plans to tighten the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) regulations. Boissonnault emphasized the need to end abuse and misuse of the program, which he says jeopardizes the health and safety of temporary foreign workers. The changes will affect low-wage jobs, with applications for positions paying below the median wage potentially being refused. 

Boissonnault’s announcement followed a meeting with representatives from various industries, including transportation, agriculture, and food and beverage. The new reforms aim to curb fraud and ensure Canadians are prioritized for job opportunities. Employers seeking to hire TFWs must submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and adhere to a 20% cap on low-wage TFWs, with certain exemptions for specific sectors.

Canada’s Limits On Temporary Foreign Workers Raise Immigration Policy Questions 

Ottawa’s decision to potentially bar certain employers from accessing the temporary foreign worker program is part of a broader strategy to address the mismanagement of Canada’s immigration system over the past decade. The primary goal is to reduce the proportion of non-permanent residents to 5% of the Canadian population by 2027, although experts believe this target is unrealistic. The policy raises important questions about whether the focus should be on the type of immigration status, the overall population growth, the rate of arrivals, or the skill levels of newcomers. 

The lack of a clear vision in past and present immigration policies has led to significant challenges, including social cohesion risks. Effective public policy requires clear communication and relatable goals that inspire confidence. Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s call for “triple wins” – benefiting migrants, their home countries, and host societies – remains relevant. A realistic strategy with measurable outcomes is essential to ensure that the advantages of immigration are broadly felt without straining housing or social safety nets. Temporary immigration poses risks of exploitation and family separation, underscoring the need for policies that prioritize equity and long-term stability.

Abramovich Immigration Law specializes in helping individuals with various immigration and visa applications to begin a new life in Canada. We are committed to offering complete support throughout the entire immigration process. For expert guidance and personalized assistance, please contact us today.