Immigration wave slowing down

By November 1 of each year, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, tables an annual report on the operation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) before the House of Parliament. The government determines numbers for new arrivals by considering government priorities, economic needs across Canada, international obligations, the ability of agencies to screen and process applications, and the capacity to settle and integrate newcomers.

The alarms have sounded from concerned citizens since interest in Canada, as an immigration destination, has soared over the past twenty years. 468,817 individuals were integrated here in the year before July 1, 2023. That’s up from the 252, 527 who arrived here 25 years ago. Now, since 2012, focus is on the “safety, security, and integrity” of the system more than the persons. We are also speaking of sustainable communities and the integrity of borders.

The increases in immigration numbers have been designed to cover for the silver tsunami dropping out of the workforce. Some of those new arrivals have been a welcome addition in our schools, churches, senior homes, and eating establishments. India has been a leading contributor to immigration but current tensions between Canada and India are high. China and the Philippines are also generous in their supply of applicants. There will be an increasing eye toward young, experienced, skilled workers willing to be flexible on where they live and work.

Due to the pushback, caused by housing shortages and escalating health care costs, the Federal Government officially cut back on their targets for permanent residents by trimming the 2025 numbers from 485,000 to 395, 000. In 2026, that number will move from 500,000 to 380,000. Temporary foreign workers and foreign students are also feeling the pinch of closing doors. This restriction will cause a slight population decline. India alone provides 45 percent of our international students, 27 percent of our new permanent residents, and 22 percent of our temporary workers.

Ontario carries the bulk of immigration with 107,865 arriving there. BC is a distant second. Our international advertisements have promised a warm welcome plus access to quality jobs, homes, and supports to ensure thriving. New notices now warn that Canada will decrease the temporary resident population to 5 percent of Canada’s total population “by the end of 2026.” This is meant to deal with pressure on housing, infrastructure, and social services. The focus for permanent residency is now on those already living in Canada, plus those who are “skilled, educated, and integrated into our society.”

The impact of American elections recently will add to tensions along the border as increasing numbers press northward at the same time we are restricting open access. Refugee claimants will be putting pressure on hearings for the Refugee Board and on the organizations who serve them. While a small percentage of the 10-12 million threatened deportations will cross our borders, there will still be enough to tax the resources available. This will be an opportunity for great generosity by the Christian community. New Hope Community Services Society, Journey Home Association, Kinbrace in the Vancouver area, Mennonite New Life Centre in Toronto and Newcomer Centre in Edmonton are front-line organizations worthy of consideration.