The Trudeau government’s new immigration minister has stated that he will continue, and perhaps even increase, Canada’s efforts to boost the country’s workforce with foreign nationals.

The government is on track to meet its goal of offering permanent residency to 401,000 individuals this year, according to Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen. Fraser said he’s prepared to raise immigration levels even more if he believes more newcomers are required to fill labor shortages, as stated in an interview with Bloomberg.

“That’s something I’m very much open to,” Fraser said by phone, adding no decision has been made yet on future targets. “Pick ups in numbers will be dependent on businesses and communities’ appetite for more employees,” he added.

The government has until mid-February to submit new immigration targets to Parliament, according to Fraser.

Over the past decade, Canada’s economy has been driven largely by international immigration, with immigrants accounting for almost all of the employment growth. 

Canada, like other countries, has an aging native-born population and low fertility rates, but it has been able to achieve the fastest population growth among the Group of Seven in recent years. High numbers of foreign-born workers, for example, have aided to relieve wage pressure in Canada during recent months, despite the fact that prices are continuing to rise.

Canada is aiming to increase the number of immigrants to 400,000 by 2021, with most arrivals coming through economic programs.

Meanwhile, Atlantic Canada continues to lose young people to jobs in Western Canada’s major cities at an alarming rate – and despite all efforts of provincial governments to retain them by waiving tuition fees for students who promise to return home, among other measures.

The province of Nova Scotia has set a target to welcome 1,000 Syrian refugees by the end of this year. The province’s Immigration Minister Lena Diab said that the government is still on track to achieve its goal, but that it may be difficult to find enough housing and employment for all of them. 

She said that the government has been working closely with settlement agencies to ensure a smooth transition for those who have already arrived.

It is estimated that Nova Scotia’s population could grow by as many as 2,000 through an influx of refugees from Syria who will be looking to reunite with their families in Canada. While welcoming to the new arrivals, some Nova Scotians are voicing concerns about the potential impact on the province’s resources and infrastructure.

If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada or looking to retain your existing immigration status, you can get in touch with Choice Immigration Services – a Leading Immigration Consultants in Edmonton – to schedule a consultation. At the very least, we can provide you with an overview of the process and some important things to keep in mind.

If you’re looking to immigrate to Canada, our office can help. We can provide you with an overview of the process and some important things to remember. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

So, what do you think? Are increased immigration levels necessary to fill labor shortages in Canada? Or will they have an overall negative effect on the economy and social services? Let us know in the comments!