Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller has stated that the country will not be lowering its annual immigration targets of around 500,000 permanent residents due to the decreasing number of working-age people compared to retirees. While some countries have divisive views on immigration, Canada has relied on public support to open its doors to working-age newcomers. Miller’s comments suggest that the government is counting on that backing to grow its population and avoid long-term economic decline. However, last year’s record one million arrivals have strained major urban centers and exacerbated housing shortages. Despite this, Miller believes that immigrants are not the primary cause of the housing crisis and that skilled labour is essential for providing Canadians with dental care, health care, and affordable housing.
