A significant demonstration took place in Brampton, where protesters gathered to demand a pathway to permanent residency for over two million temporary migrants facing visa expirations in the approaching months. The protest, organized by a group known as the United Immigrant Workers Front, highlighted the need for all temporary permit holders to have the opportunity to remain in Canada permanently. This event saw participation from members of CUPE Ontario and the Marxist Leninist Party of Canada, who joined the call for policy changes to support these individuals.

Context of Earlier Demonstrations

This protest in Brampton is part of a broader series of rallies occurring in various regions, including Quebec, where activists are advocating for the rights of temporary residents as immigration frameworks undergo modifications. Quebec is currently transitioning away from the Programme de l’expérience Québécoise, which facilitated a more expedited route to permanent residency for international students and foreign workers. This program is being replaced by a new, more stringent skills-based nominee system.

Impact on Indian Migrants

Indians represent a significant portion of those affected, as India consistently contributes a large number of temporary residents. In 2024, nearly 188,000 Indian students held study permits, accounting for over 36% of the international student population in Canada. Additionally, around 249,000 Indian nationals were reported to be holding work permits at the same time. With the expiration of many work permits and student visas approaching, various organizations, including the Union of Quebec Municipalities, are campaigning to assist migrants in continuing their lives within Canada.

Calls for Inclusive Immigration Policies

Organizers in Brampton stressed the growing support for more inclusive immigration policies, echoed by a multitude of unions across the country. In a statement made in late 2024, the Canadian Labour Congress emphasized that migrant workers in Canada deserve equitable access to permanent residency and citizenship, reinforcing the sentiment driving the protests.

Current Population of Temporary Residents

Statistics indicate that Canada is currently home to one of its largest populations of temporary residents in history. In early 2022, Statistics Canada reported 1.4 million non-permanent residents. By October 2024, this number had surged to approximately 3.2 million, representing about 7.5% of the total population. The latest figures suggest a decrease to around 2.8 million, indicating that roughly one in every 15 individuals living in Canada holds a temporary status, in stark contrast to one in fifty a decade ago.

Government’s Stance on Temporary Migration

Prime Minister Mark Carney has remarked that the influx of temporary migrants has far surpassed Canada’s capacity to provide adequate housing and services for them. The federal budget for 2025 characterized this increase as “unsustainable” and advocated for controlling immigration growth to support the labour market needs of young Canadians. The government aims to limit non-permanent residents to about 5% of the overall population, proposing that certain temporary migrants may be prioritized for permanent residency, while others may voluntarily exit. As enforcement measures remain limited, the Canada Border Services Agency reported that approximately 22,000 individuals with expired status were removed last year, with another 40,000 denied entry for similar reasons.

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