Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 addresses housing and healthcare
News and Updates
Date:08 Nov , 2023
Canadians are less supportive of immigration due to affordability concerns, according to a report by the Environics Institute. The Minister of Immigration plans a comprehensive plan to balance labour force needs with supporting the existing population. The plan aims to maintain humanitarian traditions, support Francophone immigration, and develop a collaborative approach to levels planning.
The Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026 aims to support Canada's labour force growth, with over 60% of newcomers coming from economic class immigration pathways. The plan includes a "whole of government" approach, consulting with stakeholders and provincial governments to understand skills and support needs. To attract skilled newcomers, the plan includes improving foreign credential recognition and promoting financial assistance programs. Canada is expected to welcome 281,135 economic immigrants in 2024 and 301,250 in 2025 and 2026.
Canada's National Housing Strategy aims to invest over $82 billion over ten years to build more houses, requiring skilled workers in construction and trades. However, the healthcare system faces strains due to COVID-19, burnout, and retirement. With over 468,000 immigrants working in health-related occupations, the country faces challenges in filling job vacancies, as up to nine million Canadians are expected to retire by 2030.
The Immigration and Refugee Canada (IRCC) has introduced category-based selection and Express Entry rounds to select candidates with specific attributes for high-demand sectors like
Healthcare;
STEM professions;
Trades;
Transport;
Agriculture and agri-food; and
French language proficiency.
The rounds have invited 5,600 healthcare candidates and 1,500 trades candidates. The Levels Plan predicts Canada will admit 110,770 Express Entry candidates in 2024, and 117,500 in 2025 and 2026. Deputy Immigration Minister Christiane Fox has announced another draw for trades occupations before December.