16 January 2009

Canada to maintain immigration levels in 2009

The Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenny, confirmed this week that the quota for permanent Canadian visas would remain at its current levels, despite the global economic crisis.

Mr Kenny told Indopia reporters that the number of permanent Canadian visas issued in 2009 would remain at the same levels unless the global financial crisis becomes irrevocably damaging. 

"Our economy is also impacted by the global slowdown but we will not be reducing the number of immigrants this year because of it," Mr Kenny said.

He also confirmed Canada's labour market is remaining resilient and in need of hundreds of thousands of international workers to fuel its growth, despite a 6.7 per cent national unemployment rate.

"If we find downturn is deepened then we will certainly look at modifying the immigration policy to deal with it," he added.

On 28th November 2008, Minister Kenny announced that the Government would raise immigration levels of 2009 to allow between 240,000 and 265,000 permanent residents. 

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The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people apply for Canada visa and immigration services.

Article by Jessica Bird, Canadian Visa Bureau.