MINISTER MILLER PREDICTS IMMIGRATION COULD PLAY KEY ROLE IN UPCOMING ELECTION

August 2, 2024 TruthUSA

Not long ago, discussing immigration was a political taboo, but it may take center stage in the upcoming Canadian elections, as indicated by the man overseeing immigration matters in Ottawa.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated to Reuters this week that he foresees immigration becoming a prominent issue, if not the primary issue, in the next election.

“I’m not naive enough to think Canada is immune to the waves of anti-immigrant sentiment,” he said, emphasizing the need for an immigration system that is sensible yet embraces Canada’s welcoming aspects.

Recent years have seen a shift in attitudes towards increased immigration, driven by concerns about rising housing costs and general affordability challenges among Canadians.

A survey by Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies in July revealed that 60 percent of respondents consider current immigration levels, the highest in this century, to be excessive.

Despite the potential significance of immigration in the upcoming elections, both major federal parties have focused on different issues.

The Conservatives have taken the lead in the polls with their emphasis on affordability and crime reduction, advocating for a “carbon tax election.” While they have criticized certain immigration programs, it hasn’t been their primary focus.

The Liberal government has prioritized social program investments to support Canadians amidst cost-of-living pressures.

Both parties have addressed the issue of housing affordability, an area where immigration significantly impacts the equation.

The debate primarily revolves around housing supply and the urgency of building new homes. Slowing population growth could potentially offer a quicker solution to the population-per-residence ratio.

Major financial institutions have also raised concerns about current immigration levels, with the National Bank labeling Canada as being in a “population trap” for the first time.

According to data released by Statistics Canada in July, 6.8 percent of Canada’s 41 million population constitutes non-permanent residents, a number that has more than doubled since 2021.

The topic of immigration has slowly emerged from political taboo over the past year, despite the continued reluctance in political circles to question current immigration levels.

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