Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed plans to gradually reduce temporary immigration starting in September, with a three-year trajectory set for implementation. Miller stated that he will convene with provincial and territorial immigration ministers in May to outline the specifics of these adjustments. This decision follows Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) earlier announcement in January, capping new study permit applications from international students at 606,250 for the year. The surge in temporary residents in Canada has contributed to concerns regarding the housing crisis, marked by escalating rents and housing prices, rendering accommodation increasingly unaffordable. However, there are warnings that restricting temporary immigration may precipitate an economic downturn. As temporary residents significantly drive population growth in Canada, a substantial decline in their numbers could stall the Canadian economy.
