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Tag: Canada immigration

  • Immigration Bolstered Canada’s Economy in 2023, But Policy Shift Raises Concerns for Future Growth

    Immigration Bolstered Canada’s Economy in 2023, But Policy Shift Raises Concerns for Future Growth

    A reduction in immigration could hinder Canada’s economic momentum and exacerbate labor shortages, according to economists and business leaders, as the federal government scales back the number of new arrivals.

    Experts credit immigration for helping Canada avoid a recession last year, but the recent decision to lower future admission targets has sparked warnings of economic challenges ahead.

    Immigration Fueled Economic Growth in 2023

    Statistics Canada reported that Canada’s population grew by 1.3 million in 2023, with 97.6% of that increase attributed to immigration. Economists say that the influx of people has been a key driver of GDP growth, helping to offset the economic headwinds from inflation and rising interest rates.

    “If it was not for the population growth we had last year, Canada would have entered a recession by the end of 2023,” said Charles St-Arnaud, chief economist at Alberta Central. “Even though individuals are spending less due to economic pressures, the sheer increase in population kept the economy afloat.”

    New Immigration Targets Reduced to Stabilize Housing and Services

    In November 2023, the federal government announced a plan to admit 500,000 immigrants annually in 2025 and 2026. However, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced on Thursday a significant reduction in those targets: 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027.

    The policy shift aims to ease pressure on Canada’s strained housing market and stabilize public services. “Population growth needs to be managed to avoid exacerbating housing shortages and service bottlenecks,” Miller said.

    Economists Warn of GDP Decline and Labor Shortages

    Economists caution that curbing immigration could negatively affect GDP growth. Rebekah Young, an economist at Scotiabank, warned that slower population growth, or even a decline, could shrink GDP by as much as 0.75%.

    “Even a small contraction in GDP will be felt, particularly as businesses across sectors rely on workforce growth to maintain operations,” Young said.

    Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), echoed these concerns, emphasizing that immigration—both permanent and temporary—has been essential for keeping many industries afloat.

    “Our members are struggling to fill vacancies, particularly for roles like night shifts at quick-service restaurants,” Kelly said. “Immigrants have been a lifeline for the Canadian economy, and scaling back these numbers will hurt.”

    Kelly added that raising wages is not always feasible for businesses, especially in the food and retail sectors.

    Businesses Fear Operational Challenges Amid New Immigration Limits

    Business organizations, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, have expressed concerns over the economic impact of the new immigration plan. Diana Palmerin-Velasco, senior director for the Future of Work at the Chamber, stressed the importance of immigration to economic and workforce growth.

    “Immigration is critical, particularly as we face an aging population, low fertility rates, and a wave of retirements,” Palmerin-Velasco said.

    Shift in Policy Could Ease Public Sentiment on Immigration

    While business leaders fear the reduction in immigration will hurt the economy, some experts believe the move could help ease negative public attitudes toward immigration.

    Victoria Esses, director of the Network for Economic and Social Trends at Western University, explained that public anxieties about job competition and resource allocation tend to rise during economic slowdowns.

    “A smaller influx of immigrants could reduce some of the negative perceptions we’re seeing right now,” Esses said, noting that economic uncertainty often fuels anti-immigration sentiment.

    Balancing Growth and Public Resources

    The federal government’s decision to lower immigration targets represents an attempt to balance economic growth with the housing crisis and strained public services. However, economists and business leaders caution that scaling back immigration may come at the cost of slower GDP growth and intensified labor shortages.

    As Canada navigates these changes, policymakers will need to carefully manage the trade-offs between stabilizing the economy and addressing public concerns over immigration.

    Source : Swifteradio.com

  • Brothers Evade Sanctions and Start Fresh: Controversial Name Change in Ontario Sparks Debate

    Brothers Evade Sanctions and Start Fresh: Controversial Name Change in Ontario Sparks Debate

    Two brothers, Amin and Arash Yousefijam, convicted in the United States for helping Iran circumvent sanctions, have successfully adopted new identities in Ontario, raising serious concerns regarding the integrity of Canada’s immigration processes. Documents obtained by Global News reveal that the Yousefijam brothers, originally sentenced in Michigan in 2021 for using shell companies to export sensitive equipment to Iran, returned to Ontario and changed their names to Ameen and Aurash Cohen in April 2022.

    At the time of their name change, both were still serving their sentences under supervised release. Arash, now Dr. Aurash Cohen, became a registered dentist in Ottawa, while Amin, who assumed the name Ameen Cohen, found employment as a compliance officer in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Despite his lack of Canadian citizenship and ongoing deportation proceedings, Amin was issued a name change certificate.

    Under Ontario law, applicants for name changes must disclose any criminal convictions, yet it remains unclear how the brothers obtained new identities while still entangled in legal issues. While Arash expressed a desire to start anew, arguing that his past legal troubles were resolved, Amin’s situation is more precarious, with a deportation hearing set for October 28.

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is pursuing Amin’s deportation, alleging that he undermined Canadian efforts to manage the Iranian regime’s influence. CBSA documents indicate that Amin’s actions posed increased security threats to Canada. As tensions rise between Iran and Israel, this case illustrates the broader implications of sanctions enforcement and immigration practices in Canada.

    Experts have voiced concern over the brothers’ ability to change their identities and the implications for national security, noting that sanctions are vital for maintaining a safer global environment. Jessica Davis, a national security expert, emphasized the necessity of upholding sanctions to protect Canadian interests and the global financial system.

    As this situation unfolds, it highlights significant questions about the efficacy of Canada’s immigration policies and the ongoing challenges related to sanctions evasion.

    Source: Swifteradio.com

  • International Students Face Uncertainty in Canada After New Permit Restrictions

    International Students Face Uncertainty in Canada After New Permit Restrictions

    Migrant groups are urging the Canadian federal government to reconsider its recent decision to cap international study permits and tighten post-graduate work permit qualifications, warning that these changes could leave many students “in limbo.”

    Critics argue that the cap disproportionately affects international students, a key demographic in Canada’s migrant population, while other migrant groups, such as working professionals, face fewer barriers on their path to permanent residency.

    Students Speak Out

    Tasnimah Ahmed, an international student at Ontario College of Art & Design University, has been studying in Toronto for two years. With the new restrictions on post-graduate work permits, she fears she may have to return to Bangladesh after completing her degree.

    “I feel like it’s very unfair,” Ahmed said. “We’ve been studying here for years, putting our heart and soul into our education, only to find out that our future in Canada is uncertain.”

    Mehnaz Lamia, the international student representative for the Canadian Federation of Students, expressed similar concerns. “Every day feels like living with an expiration date because policies could change at any moment,” she said.

    Government Response to Housing Crisis

    Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced earlier this month that Canada will reduce international study permits by 10% in 2025, following a 35% cut this year. The policy changes come in response to Canada’s ongoing housing shortage, a crisis that Miller says has been exacerbated by the influx of international students.

    “The rules have changed in the middle of the game,” said Sarom Rhom, an organizer with the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change. “Time is working against these students, leaving them in a massive crisis.”

    Migrant advocates are calling for the federal government to allow students already in Canada to apply for post-graduate work permits under the old rules, ensuring they are not penalized by the recent changes.

    Unequal Path to Permanent Residency

    A major point of contention for international students is the perception that their demographic is being unfairly targeted. While the government has issued tens of thousands of Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency, these opportunities are not always available to students. Instead, working professionals often have a more straightforward pathway.

    Chris Ramsaroop, a representative from Justice for Migrant Workers, described the policy shift as “dividing.” He noted that racialized communities, including international students, feel particularly impacted by the new rules.

    While the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) department clarified that many ITAs are intended for students on post-graduate work permits, they did not specify how many would be allocated to students compared to other migrant groups.

    Looking Forward

    Despite the challenges, international students and migrant advocates continue to push for fair treatment and clearer pathways to permanent residency.

    “It’s unfair to blame students for the housing crisis,” said the IRCC in a statement. “But it would be equally unfair to welcome an unlimited number of students without the proper supports – whether it’s housing, healthcare, or quality education.”

    As debates continue, the future remains uncertain for thousands of international students in Canada.

    Source: Swifteradio.com