Japa: Canadian Government to Reduce Number of Temporary Residents

The Canadian government has announced plans to decrease their numbers. Immigration Minister Marc Miller unveiled this decision during a news conference in Ottawa, marking the first time the government will establish targets for the percentage of temporary residents in the total Canadian population, mirroring the practice for permanent resident arrivals.

Minister Miller highlighted the recent surge in temporary residents, attributing it to various factors such as international students, foreign workers filling job vacancies, and individuals seeking refuge from conflicts and natural disasters. Notably, he mentioned the imminent arrival of nearly 300,000 Ukrainians in Canada by the end of the month, underlining the country’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts.

With temporary residents comprising 6.2 per cent of Canada’s population in 2023, Minister Miller emphasized the need for a strategic approach to address this trend. The government aims to reduce this figure to five per cent within three years, signaling a shift in immigration policy.

Acknowledging the significance of international migration, Minister Miller expressed the necessity for a transparent dialogue to navigate Canada’s future plans effectively. He announced plans to convene discussions with provincial and territorial counterparts to outline the revised targets for temporary residents.

In addition to curbing the influx of temporary residents, the government has implemented measures to regulate specific sectors. Employment and Workforce Development Minister Randy Boissonnault revealed plans to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers in low-wage positions in industries like food manufacturing and accommodation and food services. However, exceptions will be made for sectors experiencing critical labor shortages, such as construction and healthcare.

Furthermore, Minister Boissonnault emphasized the importance of ensuring a sufficient workforce in key sectors, particularly amid ambitious initiatives such as the construction of 2.5 million homes over the next decade. The government remains committed to supporting industries essential for national growth and development.

These measures come following the Canadian government’s announcement in November 2024, setting a target of 500,000 permanent residents for the year 2025.