Ministers say feds working to stabilize immigration levels amid housing pressures – National | 24CA News
Housing Minister Sean Fraser and Immigration Minister Marc Miller say the federal authorities is working to stabilize the variety of individuals getting into the nation yearly as housing pressures mount.
The Canadian Press reported Thursday on inner paperwork from 2022 displaying Immigration Department workers warned their deputy minister {that a} main improve in immigration may have an effect on entry to housing and providers.
The federal authorities finally determined to extend the variety of everlasting residents Canada welcomes annually to 500,000 in 2025 — practically double the quantity from 2015.
In a joint assertion Friday, the Liberal ministers are defending the choice to spice up immigration ranges, arguing immigration supported Canada’s post-pandemic restoration.
“Had we not increased immigration post-pandemic, the economy would have shrunk. Businesses facing an acute labour shortage would have closed. The social services Canadians needed, including in health care, would be further delayed or even more difficult to access,” the assertion stated.
But Miller and Fraser additionally say housing pressures have pushed the federal government to regulate its immigration targets in addition to short-term resident admissions.
Miller determined to degree out the variety of everlasting residents coming to Canada at 500,000 for 2026, the identical quantity as 2025.
The Liberal authorities additionally made adjustments to the worldwide pupil program to deal with points round fraud and the cost-of-living challenges.
The Liberal ministers say the federal authorities is able to take extra motion if post-secondary establishments don’t guarantee worldwide college students’ housing wants might be met.
“We expect learning institutions to only accept the number of students that they are able to house, or assist in finding off-campus housing. We are prepared to take necessary measures — including significantly limiting visas — to ensure that designated learning institutions provide adequate and sufficient student supports as part of the academic experience,” the assertion stated.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who has been closely crucial of the Liberals over their housing insurance policies, stated Friday that the federal government ought to calibrate its immigration coverage to match the tempo of homebuilding within the nation.
“Common sense Conservatives will get back to an approach of immigration that invites a number of people that we can house, employ and care for in our health care system,” Poilievre stated. “Obviously, you need to build homes if you’re going to bring in people. And right now, we’re not building enough homes.”
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