After becoming Canada’s New Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Marc Miller shared his thoughts in interviews with RedFM Canada, CBC Radio Canada, and Bloomberg News.
These interviews help us understand his perspective on important aspects of Canada’s immigration policies.
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Addressing Labor Shortages:
“Immigration is key to addressing labor shortages,” says Miller.
Industries like agriculture and healthcare need immigrants to thrive.
“Immigration is important to help build [Canada], make [it] a better place, and [and] to make sure that our economy is thriving.”
IRCC Minister Marc Miller
Steady or Increased Immigration:
IRCC Minister Marc Miller said that immigration is really important for Canada. It helps because the population is getting older, and immigration helps with that. The plan from IRCC is to either keep immigration the same or increase it more in the future.
“I don’t see a world in which we lower [immigration targets], the need is too great.”
IRCC Minister Marc Miller
Economic Focus and Efficient Processing:
About 60% of immigration to Canada is “economically directed,” Miller highlights. However, processing times for economic immigrants need improvement.
The government is actively working to “streamline processing times in the future.”
Skilled Immigrants through Express Entry:
When it comes to Express Entry, especially the new category-based draws by IRCC, Marc Miller mentioned that the government is committed to bringing skilled immigrants with expertise in important jobs needed all over Canada as fast as possible.
Safeguarding International Students:
Immigration Minister Miller acknowledges the issue of international student fraud. He recognizes that the current visa process has led to “integrity challenges,” causing distress for aspiring students.
IRCC aims to protect international students from “false hope” and misleading practices.
To make things clear, the IRCC realizes it needs to step up its efforts to safeguard international students who come to Canada.
They want to prevent dishonest individuals from exploiting those who just want to improve their lives through a Canadian education.
Immigration and Housing Challenges:
According to Marc Miller, immigration is not the main cause of Canada’s housing supply issues. He disagrees with the idea that immigrants are solely to blame for making it harder for Canadians to find homes and causing housing prices to go up.
Miller thinks that the situation is actually more complicated than just blaming immigrants.
“Certainly, the doubling or tripling of home equity values or the cost for someone … to buy [a home] has increased … has very little to do with immigration”.
IRCC Minister Marc Miller
He believes that immigration can actually help solve important issues in Canada, such as housing supply.
“If people want dental care, health care and affordable housing that they expect, the best way to do that is to get that skilled labour in this country.”
IRCC Minister Marc Miller
Future of Immigration Under Marc Miller
The new Immigration Minister, Miller, is committed to fairness and compassion for both Canadians and immigrants. He acknowledges that Canada’s immigration system has flaws, especially regarding recognizing foreign credentials.
Miller believes it’s essential for the federal government, provinces, and territories to discuss and improve the regulation of professions in Canada, as immigration is crucial to the country’s history and future.
“I’m here to be part of a government that is open fair and compassionate about our immigration system. This is the future of the country, the future face of the country, and [I’m] happy to be a part of it.”
IRCC Minister Marc Miller
