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.
Understanding the Impact of Immigration on Demography: A Canadian Case Study (MPI)
Canada is experiencing a significant demographic shift characterized by a declining fertility rate and an aging population. The country's total fertility rate has fallen to 1.26 children per woman, ranking among the lowest globally. This decline, coupled with increased life expectancy, has led to a higher proportion of elderly citizens, heightening concerns about labour shortages and economic sustainability. Canada has historically relied on immigration to bolster its workforce and maintain steady population growth, accounting for nearly 90 percent of overall growth. Relying solely on immigration may not fully mitigate the challenges posed by demographic decline. Additional socio-economic infrastructure should accompany policies to support Canada’s changing demographics. These include investment in social benefits for young families, childcare centres and schools, along with elder care facilities. Workforce strategies must include greater focus on career development and social inclusion for immigrant workers, investment in technological advancement and green economy transition.
The Immigration Paradox: How an Influx of Newcomers Has Led to Labour Shortages (C.D. Howe Institute)
According to a new policy brief from the C.D. Howe Institute, higher immigration levels may provide only short-term benefits to the economy, while longer term challenges may persist. The report details that as immigration levels rose sharply between 2016-2024, despite a larger workforce, job vacancies remained elevated. Researchers argue that the arrival of immigrant workers did expand the supply of labour to employers but has also generated additional income and spending, and greater demand for labour throughout the economy that outpaces the rate of supply of workers. The brief cautions against Canada’s increased reliance on highly skilled talent from abroad without the correct measures to integrate them successfully into the workforce. Failure to address immigrant underemployment will exacerbate Canada’s economic outlook.
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Quebec announces cap on international post-secondary students (CBC)
Quebec announced a 20 percent reduction of international students that can enroll in higher education institutes within the province. In December 2024, Quebec’s legislature adopted a bill to grant the provincial Ministry of Education the power to restrict the enrollment of international students, with a goal to better regulate temporary migration to the province. Although student visas are issued by the federal government, students arriving from abroad must also obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) issued by the provincial government. Between 2014 and 2023 the number of international students in Quebec jumped by 140 percent, from 50,000 to about 120,000. Allocations will now be streamlined based on institution and degree type. Last year, the Education Ministry processed 48,748 CAQ applications from prospective students. This number has since been capped at 29,200. The quota for universities now sits at 63,299, while for vocational colleges, Quebec will process a maximum of 124,760 applications between February 2025 and 2026. Government officials believe this is a necessary step in stabilizing admission rates, while higher-ed representatives question whether the move may have damning effects for Quebec’s reputation as a choice destination.
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