The House of Commons recently passed a motion to review Canada’s current immigration quotas, which currently stand at a record high. The motion, put forward by the Bloc Québécois on February 12, was supported by members outside of the Liberal Party, and it called for a reevaluation of immigration policy within the next 100 days. Critics, including BQ Leader Yves-François Blanchet, have accused the federal cabinet of overlooking the financial implications and public dissent surrounding the high number of immigrants in the country.
Blanchet emphasized that integrating immigrants into various regions of Canada needs to be a priority for the government, and he raised concerns about the strain on national resources. He also noted that what was once seen as a regional issue in Quebec has now become a nationwide concern, indicating a change in public perception toward immigration. While the motion is not legally binding, it urges the cabinet to engage with provincial premiers to discuss the capacity of different regions to integrate immigrants.
In defense of the current quotas, Immigration Minister Marc Miller argued that maintaining the high level of immigration is crucial for Canada’s demographic and economic needs. He stressed the importance of newcomers in expanding the labor force and ensuring economic prosperity, especially as the country faces the challenges of an aging population. However, the debate over immigration policy was fueled further by concerns raised by Conservative MP Tom Kmiec, who questioned the government’s decision to cut foreign study permits and highlighted perceived inconsistencies in the current system.