Canada projects to bring in more than 1.2 million new immigrants over the next three years

2024-07-07 15:21:29

Canada projects to bring in more than 1.2 million new foreigners over the next three years, the federal immigration minister announced on Friday, as the nation tries to replenish rifts in its labour market and support the economy, both solid hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Talking to journalists in Ottawa, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino announced the federal government endeavours to accept 401,000 new permanent residents in 2021, another 411,000 in 2022 and then 421,000 in 2023. Canada requires more workers, he said, “and immigration is the way to get there”. “Before the pandemic, our government’s intention to stimulate the economy ahead through immigration was pretentious. Now it’s indispensable,” said Mendicino, who postponed the new immigration targets earlier in the day. Robert Falconer, a foreigner and emigration policy researcher at the University of Calgary School of Public Policy, tweeted Friday that if the administration reaches its intentions, the next three years will be “the most eminent years on record since 1911”. In a notice describing the aspects of its plan, Ottawa announced it intends to welcome 232,500 immigrants from the economic class of settlers in 2021, as well as 103,500 family members of people already in Canada, 59,500 refugees and other preserved persons. Another 5,500 people will be allowed on compassionate grounds. Canada’s settlement system has long been taken up as a model, as it has historically taken inexperienced workers as well as refugees and people trying to meet with family members already in the country. The country shut its borders to most foreigners in March due to COVID-19. Through August, it had reconciled 128,425 newcomers, Which is somewhere half less than the 341,000-person mark it had set for 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic also has put sharp differences and longstanding difficulties with Canada’s immigration system under heightened investigation. Many asylum seekers and refugees encounter lousy working situations. At the same time, some key industries in Canada, such as healthcare, food processing and farming, rely on workers whose uncertain immigration status places them at danger of damage. A campaign has grown over the past several months requiring Canada grant permanent immigration situation for these leading line operators, many of whom are working under circumstances that place them at risk of catching COVID-19.

Monika Walker

Monika Walker is an experienced journalist specializing in global political developments and international relations. With a keen eye for accuracy and analysis, Monika has been reporting for over a decade, bringing stories to light that matter to readers around the world. She holds a degree in International Journalism and is passionate about giving a voice to underrepresented communities through factual reporting.