New immigration policy: Canada to cut jobs for foreign workers

Canada’s government has announced significant changes to its immigration policies, aiming to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers and international students entering the country.

The move comes amidst growing concerns over housing affordability, particularly in major cities. The government plans to cut immigration numbers starting next year, with a focus on prioritizing Canadian workers.

The new regulations will require companies to demonstrate why they cannot hire Canadian workers before considering temporary foreign workers.

This change is expected to impact around 30,000 students and professionals.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has also outlined plans to reduce international student intake by one-third in 2024, with an additional 10% cut anticipated next year.

The housing crisis in Canada has reached a critical point, with a shortage of over 3.5 million housing units needed to achieve affordability by 2030.

The average home price in Canada has increased by 6.3% since last year, making homeownership unattainable for many Canadians and newcomers alike.

Residential Construction Costs: Increased by 51% since 2020 due to skilled worker shortages and supply-chain challenges
Labour Force Gaps: Job vacancies in skilled trades and construction are delaying home building and increasing costs
Approval Process Delays: Significant delays between project proposal and construction start due to lengthy approval processes

To address the housing shortage, the government is exploring solutions, including:

Increasing Skilled Workers: Attracting skilled newcomers to fill labour gaps in construction and trades
Improving Accreditation Processes: Streamlining licensing and accreditation for newcomers with skilled trade experience
Affordable Daycare: Encouraging more women to enter the workforce by increasing affordable daycare spaces.