Last Updated On 4 September 2024, 9:09 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

Canada is tightening its immigration policies, reflecting the growing political tensions surrounding immigration as the country heads towards the federal election.

Recent data reveals that the ratio of refused visitor visa applications to approved ones has surged in 2024, marking the highest levels since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notably, immigration officials rejected more applications than they approved in January, February, May, and June of this year.

In addition to the rise in visa rejections, there has been a significant decline in the approval of study and work permits.

July 2024 saw Canada turn away nearly 6,000 foreign travellers, including students, workers, and tourists, which is the highest number recorded since at least January 2019.

This shift, although significant, appears to be informal, as no official policy changes have been announced.

Changing Public Sentiment on Canada Immigration

The ongoing cost of living crisis has caused a noticeable shift in Canadian public opinion on immigration, which coincides with the tightening of immigration restrictions.

An immigration lawyer based in Nova Scotia reported an uptick in client rejections and increased hostility towards immigrants.

The lawyer noted that comments and attitudes that were once considered unacceptable are now openly expressed.

These developments have prompted Immigration Minister Marc Miller to announce that his ministry will reassess the number of permanent residency applications.

Miller emphasized the need for “real, significant change” rather than superficial adjustments to address public concerns.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also indicated that his government would scale back the temporary foreign worker (TFW) program, following a surge in applications.

The program, which has been criticized by a UN special rapporteur as a “breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery,” saw employers being approved to hire 239,646 temporary foreign workers in 2023, more than double the 108,988 hired in 2018.

Tightening of Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The temporary foreign worker program is being increasingly used to fill positions in sectors such as fast food and construction.

Notably, the number of low-wage jobs filled in the healthcare sector has skyrocketed by over 15,000% since 2018.

To address these concerns, Trudeau announced that employers in regions with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher would no longer be able to hire low-wage temporary foreign workers, except in “food security sectors” like agriculture, food, and fish processing.

The construction and healthcare sectors have also been granted exemptions.

Trudeau also hinted at the possibility of reducing the number of permanent residents accepted each year, a significant departure from his administration’s previous stance of increasing immigration levels.

He emphasized the importance of responsible immigration that ensures successful integration for all newcomers.

Political Implications Ahead of Federal Election

With a federal election on the horizon, immigration has become a key issue for political leaders.

The Conservative Party, under the leadership of Pierre Poilievre, has taken a strong stance against the Liberal government’s current immigration policies and charged that it was allowing too many people to enter the country too quickly.

Poilievre, whose party is leading in the polls, criticized Trudeau’s government for growing the population at a rate that outpaces the construction of new housing.

He has pledged to tie Canada’s population growth rate to the number of houses built if his party wins the election.

Despite these criticisms, both Trudeau and Miller have defended the need for high immigration levels, arguing that it is crucial for Canada’s economic growth.

However, they have acknowledged that the rapid increase in immigration, coupled with insufficient investment in infrastructure, has contributed to the current crisis.

In response to these challenges, the federal government announced in late 2023 that it would freeze permanent resident targets over the next three years to ensure that immigration inflows remain sustainable.

The plan aims to welcome 485,000 permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026, a significant increase from the 296,000 permanent residents accepted in 2016.

As Canada navigates these complex issues, the debate over immigration is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the upcoming federal election, with far-reaching implications for the country’s future.

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.