Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ In the midst of a burgeoning debate surrounding Canada’s immigration policies, Immigration Minister Marc Miller has hinted at the prospect of introducing a cap on the number of international students in the country. This revelation comes amid mounting concerns over rising unemployment rates and a housing crisis. Miller, in an interview with CTV’s Question Period host Vassy Kapelos, expressed the need for a dialogue between the federal and provincial governments to rein in the escalating volume of international students.
While refraining from specifying the exact magnitude of the reduction, Miller underscored the urgency of addressing the situation, characterizing the current state of affairs as a system that has spiraled out of control. The minister articulated his intentions to explore the feasibility of setting a cap on international students, citing its potential to alleviate the strain on housing demand during the initial two quarters of the year.
Acknowledging the system’s need for reform, Miller emphasized the importance of federal-level discussions before delving into more nuanced considerations at the institutional level. The minister highlighted the necessity of scrutinizing individual academic institutions across provinces and reassessing their contributions to the influx of international students.
According to Miller, the move towards a cap reflects a commitment to ensuring financial capabilities, verifying offer letters, and addressing the palpable impact of burgeoning international student numbers on various regions. He asserted that the imposition of a cap would not offer a universal solution to the housing shortages across Canada but would mark a crucial step in the right direction.
While grappling with the intersection of immigration targets, housing shortages, and public concerns, Miller pointed out that housing is only one facet of the immigration calculus. He contended that the imperative to lower the average age of the workforce necessitates a comprehensive approach to immigration targets.
Miller’s considerations come against the backdrop of criticism directed at the federal government for its ambitious immigration targets, which aim to welcome 485,000 immigrants in 2023, with plans for 500,000 in 2025 and 2026. The debate also encompasses the influx of temporary residents, predominantly international students and migrant workers, with over 300,000 arriving in Canada in the third quarter of the previous year.
In the face of these complex challenges, Miller hinted at ongoing discussions about the potential cap on international students, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that addresses financial considerations for academic institutions while aligning with broader immigration goals.
