The previous Liberal government's target of 300,000 new immigrants to Canada each year was too high, Immigration Minister Monte Solberg said Wednesday.
Immigration Minister Monte Solberg acknowledges his department faces challenges, including a backlog of applicants and a system that leaves refugee claimants in limbo. (Fred Chartrand/Canadian Press)
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Appearing before a House of Commons committee, Solberg did not reveal exactly how many new immigrants he believes should be allowed into the country.
However, he said last year's level of about 260,000 new permanent residents was acceptable.
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"I'm glad we hit that number. I think that, in the current hot job market, we need people so I'm not particularly concerned about it," Solberg said.
"I think the issue going forward requires some thought, given especially the huge burden this will place on … communities like Toronto and Montreal."
Department faces backlog of 800,000 applicants
Wednesday's appearance was the first time Solberg has taken detailed questions about his new portfolio.
In an opening statement, he acknowledged several challenges his department faces. They include a backlog of 800,000 applicants, and a system that leaves refugee claimants in limbo, sometimes for years.
"Too often, our in-Canada refugee determination process is complex, slow, costly and inefficient," he said.
On the positive side, he said his Conservative government is pleased the number of refugee claims at the U.S. border has dropped by half following the signing of a "safe third country" agreement.
The agreement stipulates that refugees must seek asylum in whichever of the two countries they reach first.
New Democrat insists target can be met
NDP immigration critic Bill Siksay wasn't impressed by Solberg's hint that fewer immigrants may be accepted.
He says the Liberal target, equivalent to roughly one per cent of the current Canadian population, can be met.
Siksay questioned how committed the Conservatives are to this issue, given that immigration is not one of the Stephen Harper government's oft-stated five priorities.
"We certainly heard the minister say a number of times this is not a priority," he said.
Siksay also called on Solberg to find solutions for the obstacles facing refugees, undocumented workers and families seeking to reunite in Canada.