Canada is curbing immigrants but 33% of Canadian business owners are immigrants, shows IRCC data

At a time when Canada is trying to curb the flow of immigrants, a report highlights the huge contribution of immigrants to the Canadian economy. Immigrants make up a third of Canada’s business owners and are creating jobs in sectors like construction, healthcare, and retail trade, said Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

“Immigrants make up 33% of all business owners with employees in Canada. They create jobs in areas such as construction, professional services, healthcare, and retail trade,” stated IRCC in a social media post.

This is further reflected in the 2021 Canadian census, which shows that 8.3 million immigrants call Canada home, representing roughly 23% of the total population.

However, recent changes to Canada’s immigration policy have made it more difficult for Indians to immigrate.

The country has implemented a two-year intake cap for international students, and recently announced plans to limit the number of temporary residents it will admit starting in the fall.

At 37%, Indians were the biggest national cohort to be issued study visas by Canada in 2023.

These changes have created challenges for many Indian students who struggle to find jobs after graduation, despite being permitted to work 20 hours a week during their studies.

Additionally, rising living costs and limited permanent residency opportunities pose further difficulties. While there are success stories, the overall experience for many Indians in Canada is less than ideal, with a significant number unable to find jobs that align with their qualifications or secure permanent residency.

Despite these challenges, Canada acknowledges the vital role immigrants play in meeting its economic needs.

IRCC emphasises the significant contributions immigrants make across various sectors, with over 36% of workers in accommodation and food services, nearly 38% in transportation and warehousing, and over 34% in professional, scientific, and technical services being immigrants.

Recognising the need for reform, the Canadian Immigration Lawyers’ Association (CILA) has proposed strategic changes to the Immigration Act.

CILA calls for the introduction of an “Immigration Bill of Rights” and the creation of an ombudsperson for IRCC and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). This aims to improve the newcomer experience and ensure fair treatment for all.