Mayor Patrick Brown Advocates for Mandatory Housing in Revamping Canada’s International Student Policy Amidst Nationwide Reforms. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown emphasizes the need for addressing the escalating issue of Canada’s international student system, which he terms “out of control.” According to him, while Ottawa’s temporary reduction in international student admissions may contribute to resolving the “broken” system, ensuring that students have guaranteed housing is crucial.

This week, Immigration Minister Marc Miller introduced a two-year restriction on international student admissions. This policy is expected to decrease new study visas by approximately 50% in Ontario and 35% nationwide. This measure is a part of a series of reforms to Canada’s international student program, which has been marred by admission scandals leading to deportations, students relying on food banks, and cases of extreme overcrowding, as reported by Brown, including instances of 16 students sharing a basement or sleeping outside.

Mayor Patrick Brown Advocates for Mandatory Housing in Revamping Canada’s International Student Policy Amidst Nationwide Reforms

Brown argues that the fundamental solution is not merely limiting student numbers but mandating housing as a prerequisite for acceptance. He expresses concern over reports of students living in overcrowded and hazardous conditions, stating that such situations do not reflect the Canadian dream.

He acknowledges that the current freeze on new applications might mitigate the situation, but insists that a more effective approach would be to require international students to have a specific residential address in Canada. This would protect students from dangerous living conditions and guard against fraud. Brown also notes that blaming international students for Brampton’s housing crisis is unfair and believes that these students are being exploited rather than scapegoated.

In response to the new admissions cap, Brown urges further action, specifically the need for an “associated address” requirement for applicants to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety.

The city is also requesting the provincial government to revise the Heads and Beds levy for post-secondary institutions, proposing that payments be made to the municipality where the student resides, not just where they study. This change could potentially bring $117 million annually to the city.

Despite these proposals, Brown mentions that he has not received a response from either federal or provincial authorities.

The federal government, in December, announced a significant increase in the cost-of-living requirement for Canadian study permit applicants, raising it from $10,000 to $20,635, effective from 2024. Additionally, the new student cap will exclude international learners at private public model schools from obtaining postgraduate work permits starting September 1. In a few weeks, open work permits will be limited to spouses of students in master’s, doctoral, or professional programs like medicine and law.

Research by the Smart Prosperity Institute shows that in 2023, Ontario hosted over 444,000 international students, accounting for 54% of all international students in Canada, surpassing the combined total of all other provinces and territories.

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