Press Release: Canadian Immigration System Undergoes Significant Changes with New Leadership

Canada's immigration landscape has experienced notable transformations under the leadership of former Immigration Minister Marc Miller. As Rachel Bendayan assumes the role, further developments are anticipated.

Major Updates Under Marc Miller's Tenure

During his term, Marc Miller implemented several pivotal changes:

• Reduction in Immigration Targets: In October 2024, the Canadian government announced a 21% decrease in the number of new permanent residents, adjusting the 2025 target from 500,000 to 395,000, with further reductions planned for subsequent years. This decision aimed to balance labor shortage in canada with sustainable population growth. 

• Cap on International Student Permits: In January 2024, Miller introduced a two-year cap on international student permits, aiming to address housing shortages and ensure adequate infrastructure for incoming students. 

• Temporary Foreign Workers Reevaluation: The government signaled intentions to reconsider the number of temporary foreign workers, focusing on protecting domestic labor markets and ensuring fair employment practices. 

Impact on the Immigration System

These measures had significant implications:

• Housing Market: The reduction in immigration targets was projected to alleviate pressure on housing demand, with estimates suggesting 670,000 fewer housing units would be needed by the end of 2027. 

• Labor Market: While aiming to protect domestic employment, the decrease in temporary foreign workers raised concerns among businesses reliant on international labor.

• Public Opinion: The policy shifts reflected changing public sentiments, with growing debates on balancing immigration with infrastructure and social services capacity. 

Introduction of New Immigration Minister Rachel Bendayan

On March 14, 2025, Rachel Bendayan was appointed as Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. Bendayan, born on May 10, 1980, in a Moroccan-Jewish family, studied law at McGill University, specializing in commercial litigation and international arbitration. She has been serving as the Member of Parliament for Outremont since her by-election victory on February 25, 2019. Prior to her current role, she briefly held the position of Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety from December 20, 2024, to March 14, 2025. 

Anticipated Changes in Canadian Immigration Policy

Under Minister Bendayan's leadership, the immigration system may witness:

• Policy Adjustments: Potential recalibration of immigration targets to balance economic needs with public concerns.

• Focus on Integration: Enhanced programs aimed at better integrating newcomers into Canadian society and the labor market.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Increased consultations with provinces, territories, and communities to ensure immigration policies align with regional capacities and needs.

As Canada navigates these changes, the global community, including stakeholders in Halifax, Nova Scotia, will be closely monitoring the developments and their implications for prospective immigrants and international partnerships.