Conservative Party Criticises Liberal Immigration Policies Ahead of Canada's Federal Election

Call for Pan-Canadian International Education Council Grows as Stakeholders Push for Unified Strategy

The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) has urged the next federal government to address the persistent challenges in Canada’s international education sector, proposing the establishment of a Pan-Canadian International Education Council. The bureau has suggested that such a council could be pivotal in uniting leaders from across the sector to develop a sustainable and coordinated strategy. According to CBIE, this initiative would help protect Canada’s standing as a premier destination for international students and support key areas like workforce development, research, and the broader economy.

CBIE made its recommendations against ongoing political uncertainty, heightened by new Prime Minister Mark Carney’s call for an election amidst strained relations with the Trump-led U.S. and domestic concerns over housing shortages linked to high immigration levels. Political analysts have noted that the upcoming federal election is poised to be highly competitive. While the Conservatives once enjoyed a lead in the polls, recent trends indicate growing momentum for the Liberal Party, which is now favoured to win a majority. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has ramped up criticism of the Liberal government, particularly over rising housing costs and immigration policies, while also advocating for stricter immigration controls. Despite this, many observers have noted that the Liberals have already implemented significant policy changes in these areas.

Under the leadership of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the government took steps to curb immigration and international student enrolment. These included reducing permanent residency targets to a historic low of 365,000 by 2027 and capping temporary residents. Moreover, the international student program underwent considerable reforms, including stricter eligibility criteria for study permits, higher financial requirements, revised Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) rules, and new language proficiency requirements.

As a result, visa approvals for Indian students alone saw a sharp decline, dropping by 41% from 233,532 in 2023 to 137,608 in 2024. These changes have sparked concerns over Canada’s long-term ability to compete globally as an attractive destination for international students. Education sector leaders have increasingly called for reforms to ensure Canada remains competitive. Dr. Mike Allcott, a prominent figure at ApplyBoard, highlighted the success of international education models in the UK and the US, which involve collaboration between public and private stakeholders. He emphasised that such an approach could foster greater investment and alignment with shared objectives. Dr. Allcott also noted the significant economic contributions of international students, who, in 2022 alone, supported over 361,000 jobs and filled critical labour market gaps. However, he cautioned that shifting student preferences and growing perceptions of Canada as less welcoming could jeopardise the country’s position in the global education sector.

Immigration has become a central topic leading up to Canada’s federal election, with growing public concerns over immigration levels adding to the political debate. Prime Minister Carney has publicly criticised Canada’s immigration policies, describing them as poorly executed. He has outlined plans to cap immigration at pre-pandemic levels to address the housing crisis and to reduce the temporary resident population by 445,000 in 2025 and 2026. Carney has also expressed apprehension about universities’ increasing reliance on international students, attributing this trend to insufficient provincial funding.

Meanwhile, Michelle Coates Mather, Vice President of Public Affairs at Universities Canada, has emphasised that Canada has a vital opportunity to enhance its global competitiveness by adopting policies that attract and retain top international talent. She argued that prioritising international students is not merely an educational matter but a strategic move to drive innovation, meet labour market demands, and strengthen the country’s economic position on the global stage.

Universities Canada, alongside CBIE, has supported the creation of a Pan-Canadian International Education Council, advocating for a ministerial roundtable to foster better collaboration among stakeholders. Mather suggested that this roundtable could provide direct input on key issues such as immigration pathways, credential recognition, and workforce integration, offering practical solutions to support Canada’s international education strategy.

Saurabh Malhotra, CEO of Student Direct, emphasised the importance of a unified sectoral voice while stressing the necessity of a stable federal government to avoid abrupt policy shifts. He proposed measures such as streamlining study permit processes, enhancing predictability for applications, and focusing promotion efforts on emerging markets like Africa. Malhotra further recommended refining work permit eligibility criteria to align with regional labor market needs and expanding them to include diverse career paths. Additionally, he called for investments in student support services, including housing and settlement assistance, to bolster Canada’s appeal as a study destination.

Despite recent challenges, many observers believe Canada has a unique opportunity to recalibrate its approach and reaffirm its commitment to international education. The establishment of a Pan-Canadian International Education Council could serve as a critical step toward ensuring sustainability and competitiveness, helping the nation maintain its reputation as a global leader in education and innovation.

Editor's Note:

Canada’s international education sector is at a critical juncture, facing challenges that demand urgent attention and strategic action. The call for a Pan-Canadian International Education Council reflects a growing consensus on the need for a unified approach to sustain Canada's reputation as a top destination for international students. As immigration and student enrollment policies evolve, policymakers, educational institutions, and stakeholders need to collaborate effectively. By prioritising inclusivity, sustainability, and a forward-thinking strategy, Canada has the opportunity to strengthen its global competitiveness while supporting its workforce, economy, and innovation-driven future. The steps taken now will be crucial in determining whether Canada can maintain its position as a leader in international education. The balance between addressing immediate challenges, such as housing and visa processing, and implementing long-term solutions to attract top talent will shape the sector’s future success. Without a clear and cohesive strategy, the country risks losing its competitive edge in the global education market.

Skoobuzz firmly believes that as international student mobility increases, Canada’s ability to adapt and invest in its education system will ultimately define its role as a welcoming and innovative destination for talent worldwide.