Mixed Reactions to Canada's Plan to Cap International Student Permits

Canada’s decision to cap the number of new international student permits by 35% over the next two years has sparked diverse reactions from various stakeholders in Ottawa.

Ricky Landry, a spokesperson for the University of Ottawa, expressed concerns about the potential impact of the visa cap on universities, stating, “The impact of the visa cap is likely to be major. The federal government imposes a cap on the provinces, so we will be initiating discussions with the provincial government to better understand the real impact on our university.” Landry emphasized the value of international students in enriching the university community and Canadian society. Student leaders also weighed in on the matter, suggesting that the Ontario government needs to take action to address the financial gaps created by this decision. Delphine Robitaille, President of the University of Ottawa Students’ Union, emphasized the role of provinces in addressing the consequences of the visa cap. She stated, “Now that universities can’t rely on them anymore, provinces are going to have to step up. They’ll just have to.”

Jill Dunlop, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities, acknowledged the importance of international students in the province while expressing concern about predatory recruitment practices. She said, “We’ve been engaging with the federal government on ways to crack down on these practices, like predatory recruitment. We also need to work together to ensure the students coming to Canada receive an education that is responsive to Ontario’s labor needs, especially in the skilled trades.”

Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller highlighted the significant growth in the number of international students over the past decade. He emphasized that the cap is not intended to punish international students but rather to ensure they receive a high-quality educational experience.

However, concerns persist about the potential financial impact on universities, as international students often contribute substantially to tuition revenue. Robitaille expressed concerns, stating, “There’s a real worry happening about the fact that international students who have basically been used as cash cows by our institution are funding many of the programs and services and education for local students because the university is basically at cost for local students.” She stressed the uncertainty surrounding the future financial situation of universities due to this decision.

In summary, the decision to cap international student permits in Canada has prompted discussions about its implications on universities, provincial responsibilities, and the importance of ensuring a valuable educational experience for international students.