Key Takeaways
- New Canadian immigration rules limit international students’ ability to obtain work permits, sparking concerns in northern British Columbia.
- Local businesses and educational institutions worry that a decline in students will lead to workforce shortages in the region.
- Policy changes aiming to reduce temporary workers reflect the government’s efforts to address the housing crisis but may jeopardize the regional economy.
In northern British Columbia, especially within educational institutions and local businesses, concerns are growing as new restrictions on work permits for international students threaten the region’s future. For years, the College of New Caledonia (CNC) in Prince George and other institutions have relied on international students to fill local workforce gaps, particularly in services and small businesses. Now, many students worry they may have to return to their home countries without having the chance to establish themselves in Canada.
Gurtej Singh, chair of the CNC student union, emphasized, “These students are skilled and could contribute significantly to our region, but the new rules might strip them of the chance to stay.” Indeed, restrictions on work permits now apply to college graduates whose fields are not recognized as high-demand occupations. University degree holders remain exempt, but this decision seems unjust, as colleges often produce graduates tailored for local needs.
Local business representatives, such as Neil Godbout, president of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce, argue that the new rules overlook the specific needs of sparsely populated areas. He notes that many employers are willing to hire students and graduates, but policies “crafted in Ottawa” create barriers. “Adding bureaucratic hoops threatens not only students’ futures but also the region’s economic growth,” he adds.
Thus, northern British Columbia must face a reality where students are no longer seen as long-term workers, and tightened immigration policies threaten the survival of local businesses. While the federal government frames these changes as a response to the housing crisis, local leaders worry that this move will exacerbate workforce shortages, endangering regional economic development.
