Mon Sep 23 15:07:22 UTC 2024: ## Canada to Release New Immigration Targets on November 1st, Potential for Shift in Policy

**OTTAWA** – The Canadian government is set to release its annual immigration targets on November 1st, with the potential for a significant shift in policy amid growing concerns about the impact of high immigration levels on the housing market and other social services.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller, who previously stated that he saw no reason to decrease immigration targets, has become less definitive in his recent comments. He has acknowledged considering a range of options and that decisions will be made at the cabinet level.

This apparent shift in sentiment follows a recent surge in non-permanent residents (students, temporary foreign workers, and asylum seekers), which doubled from 1.3 million in 2022 to 2.8 million in mid-2024. While this helped prevent a recession, it also led to a strain on resources and increased unemployment among newcomers and youth.

The government has implemented measures to reduce the number of temporary residents, aiming for a five per cent cap by 2026. However, economists remain divided on the potential impact of these changes on the overall immigration targets.

Some analysts believe that the government may lower the permanent residency target, which currently stands at 500,000 per year. They cite a growing public perception that Canada has reached its capacity to absorb such a rapid pace of population growth.

Others argue that the economy still requires high immigration levels, particularly in sectors facing labor shortages. Deputy Chief Economist at CIBC World Markets, Benjamin Tal, predicts that the government will maintain the target at 500,000.

Regardless of the specific numbers, the government is expected to focus on controlling the influx of non-permanent residents. This will likely include a reduction in the number of international student permits and stricter eligibility criteria for work permits for graduates and their spouses.

The upcoming announcement on November 1st will provide clarity on the government’s strategy for managing immigration in the coming years. It will also reveal whether the government will prioritize addressing public concerns about the pace of population growth or the needs of the economy.

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