The Media Roundup provides links to recent and archived articles, in both English and French, on immigration and diversity appearing in the national and local news. Some international content is also included. Articles are updated weekly.
Global News — Foreign student asylum claims hit record high in 2024, set to grow in 2025
International students filed a record 20,245 asylum claims last year, with 2025 on track to surpass that number, according to federal immigration data obtained by Global News. The claims are rising, even as Ottawa cuts the number of study permits it issues, with Prime Minister Mark Carney pledging like his predecessor Justin Trudeau to return Canadian immigration to “sustainable levels.” The newly released figures also suggest that 2025 could see an even greater number of claims by foreign students. In the first three months of the year, international students filed 5,500 asylum claims, a 22 per cent increase from the same period last year.
CBC News — B.C. fast-tracks process for U.S. nurses to get registered in province
The province is making it easier and faster for nurses from the U.S. to get registered in B.C., in an effort to bring more health-care workers north. During a news conference on Monday, Premier David Eby said “uncertainty” related to U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration creates an “opportunity” for the province to recruit much-needed doctors and nurses. Eby said American health workers thinking about coming to B.C. will be valued, respected and will have the opportunity to care for people based on what they need, not on their earnings.
Radio-Canada — Des demandeurs d’asile, soignés trop tard, transférés vers des médecins spécialistes
Des professionnels craignent une aggravation de la situation avec les coupures de services pour les demandeurs d’asile. Le ministre a mis fin au programme de régionalisation des demandeurs d’asile par souci d’économie. 15 millions de dollars sur trois ans avaient été accordés au projet qui facilitait l’accès au réseau de la santé, mais aussi l’aide à l’emploi et à l’hébergement. Le ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) note une baisse d’utilisation des services l’hiver dernier, mais les intervenants de première ligne comme Véronique Dumont à l’Hôpital Jeffery Hale peinent à répondre à la demande.
Le Devoir — Des audiences d’asile annulées sans date de report durant plus d’un an
Ce genre de report par la Commission de l’immigration et du statut de réfugié (CISR) s’est multiplié dans les derniers mois, affirment plusieurs avocats en immigration. Démissions de commissaires, convocations ou décisions qui n’arrivent plus aux demandeurs, manque de communication : ils s’inquiètent aussi de plusieurs changements récents qui compliquent leur travail, en plus des délais de plus en plus longs. La demande de remise peut aussi venir du demandeur lui-même ou de son représentant, signale par ailleurs Chantal Ianniciello, membre du conseil d’administration de l’Association québécoise des avocats et avocates en droit de l’immigration (AQAADI).
The Globe and Mail — Carney’s aim to cut immigration marred by undercounting of temporary migrants, economists warn
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s aim to reduce immigration to “sustainable levels” will be achievable only on paper unless changes are brought in to ensure that Canada doesn’t continue to undercount the number of non-permanent residents living here, economists warn. Mr. Carney, at his first press conference after the election, pledged to cap the total number of temporary workers and international students at less than 5 per cent of Canada’s population by the end of 2027. “It‘s a sharp drop from the recent high of 7.3 per cent. This will help ease strains on housing, on public infrastructure and social services,” he said.
City News — PLQ leadership: François Legault targeted by aspiring leaders on Immigration
Premier François Legault and his government were the main targets of the Quebec Liberal (PLQ) leadership candidates who met on Saturday for a third debate in Gatineau. The debate focused on immigration and secularism. Unsurprisingly, the aspiring leaders took issue with the CAQ approach to immigration. The former president of the Conseil du patronat, Karl Blackburn, said that Legault’s “patente” was his ability to accommodate immigrants.
