Canada to cut number of international students amid housing crisis

OTTAWA – In an effort to address the housing crisis, Canadian authorities are considering a cap on the number of international students allowed to reside in the country.

Canada relies on immigration to stimulate its economy and sustain an aging population, prompting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to steadily increase annual immigration figures but the Housing crisis is now triggering calls for limiting the number of immigrants.

During an interview with CTV News, Marc Miller, Minister for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, refrained from specifying the extent of the reduction if implemented but stressed the necessity for a substantive discussion.

In an interview, Miller stated that the liberal government is contemplating imposing a cap on international students in the first and second quarter of this year.

According to the Minister for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, this is a dialogue that the federal government must engage in with provincial counterparts to ensure that provinces, which have not been effectively managing their responsibilities, take concrete measures to control the numbers purely based on volume.

“That volume is disconcerting. It is genuinely a system that has spiraled out of control,” he added in reference to the international students.

The Liberal government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had set a target of welcoming approximately 485, 000 immigrants to Canada in 2024 and about 500, 000 in both 2025 and 2026.

However, the surge in population and an increase in foreign students indicate that the housing sector is ill-prepared to accommodate such volumes.

It is noteworthy that during the third quarter of 2023, Canada’s population experienced a growth of over 430, 000 marking the faster quarterly increase since 1957.  This surge underscores the pressing challenges faced by the housing sector, necessitating a critical reassessment of immigration and student policies.

Canada boasts diverse attractions and is a preferred destination for global talent. From the majestic Banff National Park to vibrant cities like Vancouver and Toronto, cultural hubs like Montreal, and historic Quebec City, Canada offers varied landscapes and experiences. With a population exceeding 38 million, it stands as a multicultural and thriving nation.