Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers present a weekly news review on Canadian immigration, covering new policies, law changes, trends and issues affecting immigrants in Canada. Follow for updates!
Canada Is Considering Reviewing The Immigration Targets
Canada’s Housing Minister, Sean Fraser, has raised concerns about the country’s high immigration levels. He suggested the Federal Government should align immigration policies with community capacity, including housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. Fraser emphasized the need for collaboration between the government, other levels of government, and institutions to evaluate immigration targets carefully. This approach ensures sustainable immigration programs not solely driven by demand, preventing an “uncapped way” of operation and reflects the government’s commitment to managing immigration effectively and responsibly.
Fraser also highlighted the need to review temporary immigration programs to ensure their sustainable operation and support the well-being of newcomers and the communities they join. Canada aims to create a more balanced and well-managed immigration system that benefits all stakeholders. These changes demonstrate Canada’s commitment to inclusivity and prosperity. By aligning immigration policies with community capacity, the government ensures newcomers access resources and opportunities while maintaining community well-being and sustainability.
Spousal Sponsorship Applications To Increase By 33% By 2023
In July, the number of spouses and common-law partners who immigrated to Canada remained relatively stable compared to June. According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 6,215 new permanent residents entered Canada through the spousal sponsorship immigration program in July. Furthermore, in the first seven months of 2023, a cumulative total of 50,015 new permanent residents had arrived in Canada through this immigration program. This represents a notable increase of 21.6 percent compared to the 41,145 new permanent residents who had come through spousal sponsorships during the same period of 2022.
Based on the current trend, Canada is projected to welcome 85,740 new permanent residents through the spousal sponsorship program by the end of the year. This would signify a significant increase of 33.7 percent compared to the previous year, in which 64,145 immigrants had arrived through the same program. These figures highlight the ongoing importance and popularity of the spousal sponsorship immigration program in Canada as it continues to attract a substantial number of new permanent residents.
Canada Experienced A Significant Rise In The Number Of Employed Individuals
In August 2023, there was an exciting development in the Canadian job market. The number of people who found employment increased by a significant 40,000. However, despite this positive trend, the overall employment rate dropped. This unexpected decline can be attributed to the rapid growth of the Canadian population. It is worth noting that over 5% of Canadian residents currently hold more than one job. Interestingly, women are more likely than men to take on multiple positions.
During August 2023, approximately one million people, equivalent to 5.4% of the employed population, were found to be holding multiple jobs. This figure is quite similar to the previous year, indicating a consistent trend in the labour market. Interestingly, certain groups, such as immigrants admitted to Canada within the past ten years and workers of Black or Filipino descent, have higher rates of multiple job holding. Despite the positive employment growth, the overall employment rate experienced a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points, settling at 61.9%.
Immigration Minister Worried About Housing Crisis Impact On Immigrants And Students
The Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, and various student advocates have expressed deep concern regarding the current housing crisis. They fear that this crisis may lead to an unwarranted backlash against immigrants and international students. The number of international students is projected to reach a staggering 900,000 this year, a substantial increase from the mere 240,000 in 2011. Considering this, Housing Minister Sean Fraser has proposed a cap on the number of international students Canada accepts.
However, advocates strongly believe that such a proposal could have detrimental effects on already vulnerable communities. They argue that it may result in the unfair targeting of these communities, exacerbating their struggles even further. Furthermore, Minister Miller has highlighted the significant contributions made by international students to the Canadian economy. These contributions amount to an astonishing $20 to $30 billion annually through the payment of tuition fees and other related expenses.
High Immigration Levels Increase Canada’s Racialized Population
According to a recent report by Statistics Canada, the number of racialized people in Canada has experienced a significant increase of 130% from 2001 to 2021. This remarkable growth can be attributed to the influx of immigrants into the country. The study, which analyzed data from population censuses, highlighted that the number of racialized individuals has surged much higher than the white population, which has only grown by a mere one percent during the same period. As a result, the Canadian population has become more diverse and inclusive, with approximately one in four individuals in Canada belonging to a racialized population as of 2021.
Before 1981, the proportion of racialized people in Canada was less than five percent, primarily due to the immigration policies that were in place at the time. However, significant changes in policy during the 1960s and 1970s have resulted in a significant shift in Canada’s demographic composition. These policy changes have allowed a more inclusive and multicultural society to emerge. Furthermore, the study also revealed that smaller subgroups within the racialized population have experienced substantial growth in their population share in recent years. This indicates that the overall racialized population has increased, and the diversity within this population has also expanded.
The House Of Commons To Review Canada’s Plan For Economic Growth
The House of Commons is scheduled to thoroughly discuss Canada’s economic growth strategy on September 18, 2023. It is concerning that Canada’s real GDP per capita growth has been consistently weak, only reaching 0.5% annually in the past five years. This places Canada as the fifth most fragile performing country out of 38 member nations in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Additionally, it is disheartening to see that Canada’s per capita GDP growth has declined in the past year.
This economic situation has significantly impacted the financial well-being of individuals and households. For example, real incomes have dropped below pre-pandemic levels, with an approximate decrease of $1,200 per person or $2,830 per household compared to 2019. Alarmingly, Canada is projected to be unable to recover its 2019 income per capita levels until at least 2027. The OECD forecast also predicts that Canada will have the slowest real GDP per capita growth among all nations and rank as the worst-performing advanced economy from 2020 to 2030 and 2030 to 2060.
Over 50% Of Canadians Believe The Current Immigration Levels Are Too High
According to a recent Nanos poll, most Canadians (53%) believe the government’s plan to accept 465,000 new permanent residents is too high. This marks a significant shift in public opinion compared to just a few months ago, when only 34% of Canadians expressed concerns about the level of immigration. It is worth noting that Canada has traditionally been known for its pro-immigration stance. Still, there appears to be a changing sentiment among the population due to the recent increase in immigration levels.
In 2014, Canada welcomed a total of 260,404 new permanent residents, which at the time was considered a relatively high number. However, in the past year, the number of immigrants reached a staggering 437,180. When considering non-permanent immigration, the Canadian population saw an increase of over one million individuals. This represents a 2.7% annual rise in population, which can offset any per-capita benefits that may arise from Canada’s GDP growth.
Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers is a leading immigration law firm assisting individuals with their immigration needs in Canada. With years of experience and a dedicated team of immigration experts, we provide comprehensive services to help individuals navigate the complex immigration process. Contact us today to learn more about how Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers can assist you with your immigration needs in Canada.
