World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. The weekly roundup includes research, stories, and events of interest to the Canadian immigration and settlement community. This content has been created by WES and is reproduced here with their permission, in partnership.
Immigration levels, and the untapped potential of Canadian newcomers (Hill Times)
A closer look is needed when assessing support for immigration in Canada. According to recent polls and media dialogue, Canadians and newcomers themselves, have grown increasingly skeptical of higher immigration levels, with such policy measures being linked to challenges facing the economy. Narratives are often tailored in a way that scapegoats immigrants, instead of addressing the underutilization of skills and qualifications of those already in Canada, overlooking a complex and nuanced bigger picture. While popular polling data often spotlights negative shifts in public opinion, respondents often cite that immigration does have a positive impact on the economy. Discourse on immigration should include a balanced approach that not only allows for critique but opens the door for solutions.
International higher education: Canada’s 2025 predictions (The PIE)
Canada's international higher education sector faced significant challenges in 2024, including study permit caps, stricter post-graduation work permit (PGWP) requirements, and reduced visa processing. These policies caused a sharp decline in study permits processed, enrollment drops, and job cuts, with colleges, particularly hospitality and business programs, being hardest hit. Universities fared slightly better but were not immune to reputational damage. Looking ahead, many hope that any changes brought by the next federal election will include policies that highlight the value of international education to Canada’s economy and society. Institutions and other stakeholders are optimistic about creating a more sustainable system by aligning programs with labour market needs, attracting committed student cohorts, and promoting Canada as a premier destination for education and language learning. Despite the challenges, there is a strong commitment to rebuilding, with efforts to recalibrate strategies, engage governments, and focus on the long-term benefits of a well-managed international education sector.
Federal government to remove incentive for foreign workers to reduce fraud in immigration system (CBC)
The Canadian federal government has removed the additional points awarded to certain temporary foreign workers under the Express Entry program for permanent residency. This decision follows an investigative report uncovering widespread misuse of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), which were being sold for up to $45,000. LMIAs, originally designed to address acute labour shortages, have been exploited as a pathway to permanent residency through illegal sales of fake or real job offers supported by fraudulent documents. This policy change aims to reduce misuse, improve fairness, and maintain integrity in the immigration system. However, critics warn that honest foreign workers may face setbacks due to the actions of bad actors. Advocates have proposed various solutions, including granting newcomers permanent residency upon arrival to prevent exploitation, reassessing the use of closed work permits to reduce workers’ dependency on specific employers, and improving communication to ensure vulnerable workers understand these changes. While some view the policy change as a step toward a fairer system, others argue for broader reforms to address underlying vulnerabilities.
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Why has Justin Trudeau resigned – and what’s next for Canada? (Al Jazeera)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as Liberal Party leader. On January 6, the Prime Minister shared his plans to step down, once a new leader has been named, who will then lead the party into the next federal election set for October 20. The decision to step down comes amid an intense political climate both within the Party and externally; from resignations of top Cabinet members, to declining support from the public, and concerns over proposed tariffs by the incoming Trump administration. The Prime Minister also announced that he has received approval from the Governor General, to prorogue parliament until March 24, meaning that while the current government remains in power, all parliamentary activity will be suspended, and the legislative agenda will be reset once the House of Commons reconvenes. While opposition parties have the option to revive old activity, several advocates caution that some key pieces of legislation, including bills that pertain to social programming, could be abandoned.
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