Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has presented Canada's 2024 federal Budget. This annual budget outlines the upcoming fiscal year's spending, affecting all Canadians, including newcomers
. Key points include a $53 billion new expenditure focusing on improving housing affordability, defence spending, and productivity enhancement in the labour force.
While immigration was not a primary focus, measures may assist newcomers in finding affordable housing and employment.
The government also pledged $50 million to the Foreign Credential Recognition Program, aiding skilled trades workers and the healthcare sector. The Budget highlights newcomers' increasing income over time, surpassing the median Canadian income by 10% over a decade.
#Budget_2024, #immigration_to_Canada, #Immigration_levels
April 23, 2024
Quebec businesses are concerned that decreasing temporary workers could have adverse effects.
Karl Blackburn, CEO of the Conseil du patronat du Quebec, counters the notion of an overabundance of temporary workers, asserting they meet labour market demands.
Quebec's Premier, François Legault, has suggested a possible referendum on immigration if his calls for a reduction in temporary immigrants are not heeded, citing pressure on social services and potential threats to the French language.
Blackburn voices disapproval over the federal government's move to reintroduce visas for certain Mexicans, a move initially supported by Quebec to curb the influx of asylum seekers.
He cautions that further constraints on foreign workers could negatively impact the economy and calls for the federal government to compensate Quebec $1 billion for the costs borne by the province for asylum seeker care.
#Quebec, #temporary_workers, #asylum_seekers, #refugees
April 23, 2024
According to Mark Parsons, chief economist at ATB Financial, Alberta's robust economy is drawing people to the province, primarily due to housing affordability.
Compared to Toronto and Vancouver, the province's affordable real estate market has been a major attraction, as emphasized in the "Alberta is Calling" ad campaign.
This campaign urged Canadians unable to afford a home in their current location to consider moving to Alberta. However, this population influx has increased housing prices and rent, reducing Alberta's real estate affordability.
It has also resulted in a family doctor shortage and overcrowded schools. Despite these challenges, ATB Financial forecasts that Alberta's population growth will continue to outpace other parts of Canada.
#Alberta, #housing, #Alberta_is_Calling, #population_growth
April 23, 2024
Quebec's Parti Quebecois (PQ) has expressed concerns over the current levels of temporary immigration, suggesting that it might contribute to the rise in housing costs.
The party believes that the rapid increase of immigrants could make it difficult for residents to afford housing. Although the PQ has not held power or opposition in the last two elections, its popularity is growing.
They have committed to construct 45,000 homes over the next five years if they win in the 2026 elections.
This proposal is a response to what they perceive as the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ)'s inadequate approach to the housing crisis.
#Quebec, #Parti_Quebecois, #CAQ, #PQ, #temporary_residents
April 23, 2024
