Canada Intends To Reduce The Number Of Temporary Residents By 20%

The government of Canada plans to decrease the number of temporary residents.

The number of temporary residents permitted entry into Canada is set to decrease, as announced by the Canadian government.

This statement was given at an Ottawa conference by Immigration Minister Marc Miller.

Miller stressed that the government would set goals for the percentage of temporary residents compared to the total population of Canada, using the same procedure used for the admission of permanent residents.

He emphasized the notable surge in the number of temporary residents in the past few years, which includes foreign students, foreign laborers filling employment openings, and people fleeing war and natural catastrophes.

Miller cited the expected arrival of roughly 300,000 Ukrainians in Canada by the end of the month as one noteworthy example of the country's commitment to international humanitarian operations.

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He emphasized how important it is to have an open discussion about how increased international migration would affect Canada's future planning.

Miller claims that 2.5 million people, or 6.2% of Canada's entire population, were temporary residents as of 2023.

It is the government's goal to bring this percentage down to five percent in three years.

In addition, he declared that he would call a conference of representatives from the ten provinces and three territories in Canada to talk about the updated goals for temporary residents.

The goal of 500,000 permanent residents by 2025 was set by the Canadian government in November of 2024. Miller also said in January that there would be a cap on the number of overseas students, who presently make up 42% of temporary residents.

However, firms in the healthcare and construction industries will be exempt, meaning they can continue to employ temporary foreign workers until at least August 31.

The government's ambitious aim to build 2.5 million homes over the next ten years and guarantee adequate staffing levels in the healthcare sector, in addition to the severe labor shortages in these areas, served as the driving force behind this decision.