As Canada approaches its federal election, the country is tightening its immigration policies in response to escalating political debates about immigration.
Recent statistics show a notable increase in the ratio of denied visitor visa applications compared to approvals in 2024, reaching levels not seen since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Specifically, immigration authorities turned down more applications than they approved in January, February, May, and June of this year.
Additionally, there has been a marked decrease in the approval rates for study and work permits.
In July 2024, Canada denied entry to nearly 6,000 foreign visitors, encompassing students, workers, and tourists—the largest number recorded since at least January 2019.
While this trend is evident, it seems to be an informal adjustment, as no official policy changes have been publicly announced.
Shifting Public Attitudes Towards Immigration in Canada
The ongoing cost of living crisis has led to a notable shift in Canadian public opinion on immigration, aligning with stricter immigration policies.
A Nova Scotia-based immigration lawyer has observed a rise in client rejections and growing hostility towards immigrants. The lawyer remarked that attitudes and comments once deemed unacceptable are now openly voiced.
In response to these changes, Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced that his department will review the volume of permanent residency applications. Miller stressed the necessity for “real, significant change” to address public concerns rather than merely making superficial adjustments.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also indicated that his government will reduce the scale of the temporary foreign worker (TFW) program in light of the increase in applications. This program, criticized by a UN special rapporteur as a “breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery,” saw employers approved to hire 239,646 temporary foreign workers in 2023, more than double the 108,988 hired in 2018.
Restrictions on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
The temporary foreign worker program is increasingly utilized to fill roles in industries such as fast food and construction.
Remarkably, the number of low-wage positions in the healthcare sector has surged by over 15,000% since 2018.
In response to these issues, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that employers in areas with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher will be prohibited from hiring low-wage temporary foreign workers, except in “food security sectors” like agriculture, food processing, and fish processing.
Exemptions will also apply to the construction and healthcare sectors.
Additionally, Trudeau suggested that the number of permanent residents admitted annually might be reduced, marking a significant shift from his administration’s previous policy of increasing immigration levels. He highlighted the need for a responsible immigration approach that ensures effective integration for all newcomers.
Political Impact Before the Federal Election
With the federal election approaching, immigration has become a major focus for political leaders.
Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party have criticized the Liberal government’s immigration policies, claiming that too many people are being allowed into the country too quickly. Poilievre, whose party is currently leading in the polls, has accused Trudeau’s government of increasing the population faster than new housing can be built. He has promised to link Canada’s population growth to housing construction rates if his party wins the election.
In contrast, both Trudeau and Immigration Minister Marc Miller have defended high immigration levels, stating they are essential for Canada’s economic growth. However, they have admitted that the rapid rise in immigration, combined with inadequate infrastructure investment, has exacerbated the current challenges.
To address these issues, the federal government announced in late 2023 that it would freeze targets for permanent residents over the next three years to keep immigration manageable. The plan is to admit 485,000 permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026, up from 296,000 in 2016.
As Canada faces these complex challenges, the immigration debate is expected to be a key factor in the upcoming federal election, with significant implications for the country’s future.
