Immigration Minister on Reforms to Overheated System

In a year-end interview, Immigration Minister Marc Miller highlighted the strain on Canada’s immigration system, describing it as “overheated” due to record-high numbers of newcomers in recent years. He emphasized that this surge has challenged the longstanding consensus on the benefits of immigration, prompting his department to introduce stricter measures in 2024 to restore balance.

Over the year, Miller implemented significant changes, including capping student visas, reducing permanent residency targets, tightening work visa requirements, and pausing most private refugee sponsorships. These steps followed a 3% population growth in 2023—double the decade’s average. Miller acknowledged both successes and areas for improvement in managing public concerns, which include housing costs, asylum backlogs, and a labor market saturated with temporary workers.

To address fraud and exploitation, the government removed points linked to labor market impact assessments in the Express Entry system and introduced tougher permit approval rules. Further changes included shifting temporary resident applications online and introducing legislative powers to suspend or cancel immigration documents in cases of mass fraud.

As Canada navigates this period of reform, Miller remains committed to balancing economic needs with public concerns, particularly in managing asylum claims and addressing vulnerabilities in the system. He stressed the importance of maintaining compassion and rationality in shaping immigration policy while ensuring it aligns with the country’s capacity.

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