The Business Council of Alberta's new poll suggests that 70% of Canadians believe changes to the immigration system are necessary.
Historically, Canadians have supported immigration, which has attracted skilled individuals who have contributed to economic growth.
However, due to population growth and economic weaknesses, public opinion has shifted. Key insights include: less than half believe immigration benefits Canada’s economy, society, and global standing, and 62% favour prioritizing economic immigration.
Only 28% believe the current system effectively selects and supports immigrants, citing insufficient housing, infrastructure, and lack of credential recognition as issues.
Consequently, 70% of Canadians support reforms in credential recognition and selection of economic immigrants with high economic potential to improve living standards.
#Immigration_to_Canada, #Alberta, #poll, #survey
May 15, 2024
Migration influx has helped countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK balance aging populations and falling birth rates.
Migration fills labour shortages, with the US thriving due to a growing labour pool, albeit on a smaller scale than Canada. However, despite population growth, living conditions in Canada are worsening due to high housing costs and limited job opportunities, leading to a per-capita GDP decline.
This has prompted Canada to reduce immigration targets. These factors have led to calls for stricter immigration controls and housing reforms.
Despite these issues, immigration remains vital for economic growth, necessitating balanced government policies.
#Immigration_to_Canada, #population_growth, #labour_shortages
May 8, 2024
The number of Indian students and skilled workers in Canada has quadrupled since 2013 due to more favourable immigration policies, according to a report by the National Foundation for American Policy.
The report suggests that Canada's welcoming policies and easier access to permanent residence than the US have attracted these individuals.
Despite temporary diplomatic issues between Canada and India, the trend is expected to continue due to the unlikely change in US immigration policies.
Canada's no-limit policy on high-skilled visas, quicker processing times, and the possibility of getting permanent residency after graduation are advantages over the US's more restrictive policies.
The report also highlights that international student enrollment in Canadian universities has surged by 544% from 2000 to 2021.
#Study_in_Canada, #international_students, #Indian_students
May 7, 2024
Many visitors entered Canada via the expedited visa pathway and have applied for asylum, reflecting the demand created during COVID-19's border closure.
As of February 29, 2024, around 152,400 visas were issued under this program, including 7,300 Super Visas for parents and grandparents.
An internal memo revealed 19,400 visitor asylum claims under this program, constituting 13% of visa holders. In 2023, 14% of the 137,947 refugee claimants were from this program.
The number may increase as many visa holders have not arrived in Canada.
The temporary policy waived financial proof and future departure requirements but retained security, criminal, and medical clearances.
#Asylum_seekers, #refugees, #visitor_visa, #PGP
May 7, 2024
