Canada is ready to accept half a million immigrants and other news
Canada's plans are grandiose, but not all provinces agree with them.
The big news of the past week is Canada's new Immigration Plan 2023-2025. The goals are again ambitious. The country aims to welcome 465,000 immigrants in 2023, then 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025. These are absolutely record numbers. We detailed what programs will accept applicants, what immigration trends will be in 2023, and what are the surest ways to move.
Immigrant admission plans
Canada plans to develop the economy with immigrants. The federal government expects newcomers to fill empty jobs and thereby help the country cope with labour shortages. To do so, Canada increased quotas in provincial and regional immigration programs to allow regions to choose the skills they need. Canada also wants to increase the proportion of francophone population across the country, also by accepting immigrants, and the government has reaffirmed its intention to change the Express Entry system to select candidates with skills in demand through it.
Not all provinces of Canada agree to increase the number of immigrants. For example, Quebec authorities say that they will not invite more than 50,000 people a year. Quebec has its own immigration system and plans for receiving immigrants. The region can accept 23% of newcomers from the target the federal government sets. So if the target is 500,000 people, Quebec would be able to invite 115,000. Despite the Prime Minister of Canada's claims that the workforce is needed across the country, including Quebec, the provincial government is insisting. The main reason is the possible negative impact of newcomers on the preservation of the French language, which is the official language in Quebec.
By contrast, New Brunswick is ready to support immigrants, even those who have not yet obtained permanent residency. The region has changed the rules for subsidies for families with children. Now both permanent residents and those who are in the province on a work visa, student visa or entry permit for Ukrainians can qualify for them. There are a few conditions. The family must have a child or children of preschool age, the parents must work or study and the total family income must be less than $80,000 CAD per year or the child care must take more than 20% of the income.
Investing in a better life
The Canadian government wants to invite scientists from Ukraine so they can continue their scientific work in a safe environment. Natural Resources Canada is ready to give them jobs in laboratories, academies and research institutes. Scientists, experts and graduate students are needed. Ukrainians will be able to take part in research in oil and gas, minerals, forestry, marine geology, earth observation and more.
Canada will expand the market for affordable housing. The Housing Board can't keep up with the number of requests for apartments, and a lot of housing for those in need is unaffordable. That's why a third of this year's federal budget is earmarked for housing solutions. Initiatives include housing allowance payments, building new homes, speeding up the development process, and more. Some major cities have already succeeded in significantly reducing their housing problems.
Canada is also spending impressive amounts on health care. This year, spending will total more than $331 billion CAD, that's more than $8,600 CAD per capita per year. Much of the spending is related to COVID-19 treatment and prevention, as well as ongoing factors such as an aging population, population growth and the increasing demand for health care services.
A new report shows that Canadians may soon give up cash. By 2025, only 3% of payments will be made in cash. That's one of the lowest rates in the world. Also, virtual, mobile and online payment transactions have increased on record since the pandemic began. Credit cards are now the primary method of payment in Canada, followed by debit cards. But paradoxically, more Canadians are starting to save in cash. Also, Canadian experts are already exploring the possibility of creating a digital version of the Canadian dollar.
Immigration selections
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Last week there were only two selections. One was held by the province of Saskatchewan. The invitations went out to 55 entrepreneurs who want to buy or start a business in the region. The second draw was held in Nova Scotia, for entrepreneurs from abroad and entrepreneurs who graduated from a college in the province. The region sent 6 invitations for each category.
Alex Pavlenko, founder of the emigration portal Immigrant.Today
