How Many Immigrants Should Canada Allow in 2014?

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) wants your help in determining 2014 immigration levels.

They really do! At least that’s what their website says:

We are seeking your feedback on immigration to Canada, specifically on the total number of new permanent residents Canada should welcome and how this overall total should be distributed among immigration categories. The consultation will explore a number of issues related to three main questions:

– What is the appropriate level of immigration for Canada, this year and beyond?

– What is the best ratio – or mix – between the number of economic immigrants, family class immigrants and the refugee/humanitarian class?

– Economic immigration is a key immigration goal for Canada’s long-term economic growth. What role can immigration play to support Canada’s economy?

You can add your voice to the discussion, here. The online consultations end on August 31.

Regardless of whether CIC is serious about canvassing public opinion, the debate about immigration seems to be heating up.

On Thursday, the Fraser Institute added fuel to the proverbial fire, publishing a paper that concludes recent immigrants “impose a fiscal burden on Canadian taxpayers” of approximately $20 billion a year.

“This paper proposes that immigration of parents and grandparents be stopped completely,” the report, written by economist and former Reform Party MP Herb Grubel, states.

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