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.
President Trump says U.S. ‘on time’ with tariffs against Canada, other countries (CTV News)
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the plan to move forwards with a 25 percent tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods, set to take effect on March 4. Initially scheduled for February 4, the tariffs were delayed following negotiations with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, that included action plans to mitigate border security concerns. Recent reforms include Canada's $1.3 billion investment in new border measures, the appointment of a ‘fentanyl czar’, and the designation of seven transnational crime groups as terrorist organizations. Canada has reportedly achieved a 90 percent reduction in fentanyl crossing into the U.S. Leaders from both countries have threatened retaliation if tariffs are triggered.
Increased uncertainty on tariff enforcement and impact have already created significant challenges for small-and-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across Canada. Nearly 2-in-5 SMEs are facing cancelled or postponed orders due to the looming threat of tariffs and over half of business owners say they do not feel adequately prepared for potential impacts, according to data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Research from the Surrey Board of Trade indicates that newcomer and immigrant owned business may be especially vulnerable to market volatility due to reduced flexibility, limited financial reserves, and heavy reliance on imported products.
A recent fiscal analysis from Desjardins indicates that Canadian provinces collectively have up to CAD 100 billion to put towards economic relief for industries and individuals affected by tariffs, with similar supports expected to come from the federal government.
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Ottawa commits to resettle 4,700 Sudanese refugees, reopens family pathway following outcry (CBC News)
Canada has announced plans to resettle 4,700 Sudanese refugees by the end of 2025, focusing on those currently in Egypt, Chad, and South Sudan. These efforts are in response to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has displaced millions of individuals including families with young children. Advocates from across human rights networks and the Sudanese community commend the move but emphasize the need for expedited processing and additional support services to ensure successful evacuation and resettlement. The resettlement is expected to enrich Canadian communities culturally and economically, while also addressing humanitarian obligations. However, challenges include ensuring adequate housing, employment opportunities, and access to healthcare for those expected to arrive in Canada. Alternatively, Quebec is not included in Canada’s overall Sudanese resettlement plan, leaving may Sudanese Quebecers ineligible to apply to sponsor family members abroad. Although promises have been made by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada to include intake from Quebec, the program’s reopening has been postponed.
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Canadian universities struggle with financial impact of declining international student enrolments (Nairametrics)
Canadian higher-ed institutions are grappling with financial strain due to declining international student enrolments. The University of Regina, for example, saw a 50 percent drop in new international students this winter, while the University of Saskatchewan reported a 20 percent decrease. The decline follows federal policy changes, including stricter visa requirements and a 10 percent reduction in study permits for 2025, capping them at 437,000. International students, who pay higher tuition fees, are key to university budgets. Advocates warn these policies risk damaging Canada’s reputation as a top destination for global talent. The resulting financial gaps have already been felt nationwide with sweeping program cuts, staff layoffs, and fewer resources, potentially affecting education quality and broader economic growth.
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Ukrainian newcomers struggle to renew passports amidst looming visa deadline (Radio Canada)
Ukrainian newcomers in Canada are facing difficulties renewing their passports, which is essential for extending their visas under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. The Ukrainian embassy in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto and Edmonton are citing overwhelm with applications, leading to significant processing delays. Without valid passports, Ukrainian nationals risk losing legal status in Canada, affecting their ability to work and access social services. Community leaders are urging the Canadian government to implement flexible measures, such as accepting expired passports or providing temporary documentation, to prevent further hardship for these newcomers.
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