Canada will introduce a “soft cap” on how many temporary residents are allowed into the country, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced. This move aims to manage population growth and address pressures on resources like housing.
The government will target a reduction in temporary residents from 6.2% of the population to 5% over the next three years. Initial targets for the reduction will be set in September.
Miller cited a recent surge in temporary residents, fueled by increased student enrollment and expanded use of temporary worker programs during the pandemic. He expressed the need to make the system more sustainable.
This announcement comes alongside other recent changes, including limits on international students and a reduction in foreign worker programs for certain sectors. The government will prioritize asylum seekers over temporary foreign workers in open positions.
Economists agree that this signals a clear shift in Canada’s policy on temporary workers, likely aiming to prioritize innovation over accessible foreign labor.
