Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland acknowledged on Thursday that Canada’s international students program and temporary foreign workers program have experienced abuses. This statement follows recent announcements by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding plans to limit the influx of low-wage temporary foreign workers and cap the number of international students entering the country.
Addressing System Abuses
Freeland emphasized the value of international students and foreign workers as potential new Canadians but admitted to systemic issues. “We have seen some institutions not invite students here to really give them a good education, but really to abuse them. And that is not OK,” she stated.
New Restrictions and Caps
The government’s new measures include:
- A cap on international student permits, expecting to reduce approvals by 35% compared to 2023
- Restrictions on low-wage temporary foreign worker applications in regions with 6% or higher unemployment rates
- A 10% cap on low-wage temporary foreign workers for employers
- Reduction of maximum employment duration from two years to one for temporary foreign workers
Political Response and Economic Concerns
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre advocated for slower population growth, stating, “We need to have a growth rate that is below the growth in housing, health care and employment.”
Criticism from Migrant Rights Groups
Migrant rights organizations have criticized the new policies, arguing that they unfairly target migrants for economic issues. Syed Hussan of Migrant Workers Alliance for Change stated, “High unemployment, low wages, and unaffordable housing is not being caused by immigrants and migrants — these are caused by employer exploitation and policy failures.”
Looking Ahead
As these new policies take effect, starting September 26, the Canadian government aims to balance economic needs with concerns about system abuses and domestic employment opportunities. The impact of these changes on Canada’s labor market and international relations remains to be seen.
