Hon. Marty Klyne: Senator Moreau, a recent IRCC evaluation found that the government’s international student cap had a greater impact than expected. The department forecast 349,000 new study permit approvals in 2024, but less than 50% were approved.
Smaller provinces were hard hit, along with rural and regional institutions, with some having declines of nearly 60%.
International students are vital to Canada’s economic future. We should be recruiting the smartest, brightest and most innovative students and professors to our universities; they support local economies, help with labour shortages, contribute to research and innovation and strengthen our long-term talent.
Reduced approvals have left some institutions with underused classrooms, vacant residences on campus and fewer students contributing to science, technology, engineering and math, as well as to local communities and economies with the skills they have.
How does the government —
The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, Senator Klyne.
Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you.
The government has implemented many measures to support international students.
Notably, the government removed the need for a separate work permit in addition to their study permit and reduced the number of hours required to get a work permit alongside their studies, enabling them to focus more on their education.
The government bolstered the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program to make post-secondary education more accessible and help ease financial pressures on students and recent graduates.
The government will also maintain for one additional year the increase in full-time Canada Student Grants from 3,000 to 4,200 per year and interest-free Canada Student Loans from $210 to $300 per week.
Senator Klyne: These policies have led to a decline in enrolment and affected Canada’s reputation as a destination for international students.
Saskatchewan institutions report that students who once looked to Canada are now choosing competitors such as Australia because they see Canada as a less desirable and predictable avenue for pursuing education.
How will the government restore international market confidence in Canada’s study permit system among prospective students and education partners?
Senator Moreau: The government’s focus is on rebuilding confidence in a way that supports students, protects Canada’s reputation and ensures the institutions offering a strong student experience can continue to attract international talent.
The government has implemented a series of integrity measures, including a new letter of acceptance verification process, stronger financial requirements and changes to the post‑graduation work permit program to better align with labour market needs.