The House of Commons has called upon the federal cabinet to reevaluate Canada’s current immigration quotas, which stand at a record high.
BQ Leader Yves-François Blanchet criticized the government’s approach to immigration, pointing out that the high quotas have been met with widespread public dissent. He accused the cabinet of neglecting the financial implications of these policies, emphasizing that the burden on national resources has been overlooked.
The motion, while not legally binding, urges the cabinet to engage with provincial premiers to discuss the capacity of various regions to integrate immigrants. It demands the presentation of a revised immigration plan within 100 days, aiming to adjust the 2024 federal immigration targets based on these integration capabilities.
Mr. Blanchet highlighted the evolving public perception toward immigration in Canada, noting that concerns over immigrant integration are no longer confined to Quebec but have become a nationwide issue.
“This used to be a Quebec thing,” said Mr. Blanchet in the House.
“People used to say Quebecers were against immigration because they were racists. Now people in Toronto are saying they are having problems managing the volume of immigrants.”
He rebuffed the notion that opposition to current immigration levels stems from xenophobia, pointing out the practical challenges faced by cities across Canada in accommodating the influx of newcomers.
The current immigration plan sets the annual quota at 500,000, excluding the 227,000 permits for temporary foreign workers and the 983,000 foreign students permitted each year. Mr. Blanchet raised concerns about the strain on health care, education, and other public services, citing the plight of asylum seekers in Montreal as evidence of the government’s failure to manage immigration compassionately.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller, in defense of the existing immigration levels, said that maintaining the current quotas is essential for Canada’s demographic and economic needs.
“Canada has accepted a substantial number of permanent residents,” Mr. Miller told the Commons.
“The main reason is we need newcomers as much as they need us. Immigration is crucial to expand our labour force, to ensure our economy prospers and to guarantee the quality of the social services Canadians depend on. Faced with an aging population, we need qualified and talented newcomers to ensure our future economic prosperity.”
The debate over immigration policy was further fueled by Conservative MP Tom Kmiec, who criticized the government’s recent decision to cut foreign study permits by 35 percent. Mr. Kmiec questioned the credibility of the government’s stance on immigration, highlighting the perceived inconsistencies and challenges within the current system.
“We know the immigration system is broken,” said Mr. Kmiec.
“We know it is not working with what the government is doing. How can we believe the minister now?”
