Canada has a new Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Rachel Bendayan, following a cabinet shuffle under Prime Minister Mark Carney. She takes over from Marc Miller, who implemented significant immigration reforms during his tenure.

With Canada’s immigration policies at a crucial turning point, many are eager to see how Minister Bendayan will shape the country’s immigration landscape. In this blog, we’ll explore:

• Who is Rachel Bendayan?
• What changes did Marc Miller bring to immigration?
• What are the key immigration priorities under Mark Carney’s government?
• How will Canada’s immigration policies impact newcomers in 2025 and beyond?

Who is Rachel Bendayan? Canada’s New Immigration Minister

Rachel Bendayan is a Member of Parliament (MP) from Outremont, Quebec, and has previously held multiple key government positions, including:

• Minister of Official Languages
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion, and International Trade

Educational & Professional Background

• Bendayan was born into a Moroccan-Jewish family and raised in Quebec.
• She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies and a Bachelor of Civil Law/Juris Doctor (LL.B./J.D.) from McGill University.
• She worked as a litigator and international trade lawyer at Norton Rose Fulbright, focusing on international arbitration and trade law.
• She has also taught law at Université de Montréal.

With her strong background in law, finance, and international trade, her leadership at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be closely watched.

Marc Miller’s Immigration Policies: What Changes Did He Bring?

As Canada’s previous Immigration Minister, Marc Miller made several policy changes to control temporary and permanent immigration levels.

Key Immigration Reforms Under Marc Miller

• Restricted temporary immigration by capping new work and study permits.
• Reduced permanent residency levels to pre-pandemic numbers.
• Paused Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in areas with high unemployment (6% or above).
• Capped international student enrollment, limiting provincial allocations.
• Revised Express Entry rules, changing occupation categories and removing arranged employment points.
• Introduced new permanent residence pathways for skilled workers in trades and construction sectors.
• Tightened Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) rules, adding language and field of study requirements.
• Imposed restrictions on family Open Work Permits.

Miller’s policies were aimed at addressing housing and affordability challenges by controlling immigration inflows.

Canada’s Immigration Future Under Prime Minister Mark Carney

Mark Carney, Canada’s new Prime Minister, has previously suggested moderating immigration to sustainable, pre-pandemic levels. While his specific policies remain unclear, past statements suggest his government may focus on:

1. Capping immigration growth to align with housing and infrastructure capacity.
2. Prioritizing temporary residents (students and workers) for permanent residence.
3. Restricting the number of temporary foreign workers to ease labor market pressures.

What Could Change Under Rachel Bendayan?

Minister Bendayan is expected to balance economic growth with immigration caps, ensuring Canada attracts high-skilled talent while managing affordability issues. She could:

• Maintain or adjust Marc Miller’s immigration restrictions.
• Streamline pathways for permanent residence for skilled workers and essential sectors.
• Enhance policies for international students and temporary workers.
• Address labor shortages while ensuring economic sustainability.

With Canada relying on immigration to boost the economy and workforce, the next few months will be critical in shaping new policies.

Why Immigration is Crucial for Canada’s Economy

Immigration is a key driver of economic growth in Canada. Newcomers contribute to workforce expansion, innovation, and economic stability.

Key Immigration Benefits

• Helps Canada avoid a recession (as noted by Marc Miller in 2023).
• Fills labor shortages in healthcare, tech, and construction industries.
• Supports aging population challenges by increasing the workforce.

Canada’s Immigration Targets (2025-2027)

• Canada plans to welcome 500,000 immigrants per year by 2026.
• Focus will be on skilled workers, family reunification, and economic immigrants.

Despite concerns over housing and affordability, immigration remains vital for Canada’s long-term prosperity.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Canada’s Immigration System?

With Rachel Bendayan as the new Immigration Minister, Canada’s immigration policies may continue to evolve. While Marc Miller’s restrictions on temporary immigration might stay in place, the focus could shift to creating better pathways for permanent residency.

As we move into 2025 and beyond, all eyes will be on:

 ✅ Changes to Express Entry and PR programs
✅ Updates on student and work permits
✅ New policies for temporary foreign workers
✅ Government strategies to balance immigration and affordability

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