CIMM – Housing Shortages – November 07, 2023
Key Messages
- Canada is experiencing an unprecedented housing crisis, which requires collaboration between all levels of government.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to work with federal partners, like Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), to develop a whole-of-government approach to immigration levels planning, with a particular focus on Canada’s infrastructure and housing capacity.
- Housing is a basic need for all. For newcomers, access to housing is critical to support successful settlement and integration. For international students, it is a key part of the supports they need to succeed in their studies.
Supplementary Information
- As part of the Strategic Immigration Review, a dedicated discussion on housing was convened to discuss concrete solutions. Stakeholders agreed that a whole-of-society approach is needed to begin addressing housing accessibility and affordability challenges.
- Canadian employers have to provide, or ensure, temporary foreign workers (TFWs) have adequate, suitable and affordable housing as defined by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Employers of the Low-Wage Stream must ensure accommodations (rent and utilities) are available that cost less than 30% of the TFW’s before-tax income.
- For international students, housing is provided by many designated learning institutions in Canada, but is not an element for decision in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act or Regulations.
- In response to a review of the International Student Program, an announcement on October 26 noted that measures will include IRCC adopting a “recognized institution” framework to benefit post-secondary Designated Learning Institutions that set a higher standard for services, support and outcomes for international students.
- Immigration is not the cause of Canada’s housing and homelessness challenges. Infrastructure demand has outpaced investments for several decades. The housing crisis was not caused by immigration, though rapid population growth of the last few years is a contributor to the demand for housing. Immigration can also be part of the solution by bringing in skilled trades workers to build homes.