Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called for lower immigration levels and criticized what he called “deluxe benefits” after Ottawa announced changes to its Express Entry system that would give additional points for some permanent residency applicants in “high-wage” jobs.
“We need reduced immigration,” Poilievre told reporters in Wainwright, Alta., on Oct. 19. “We need to cut back on the deluxe benefits that are given to people here illegally, especially when we’re giving out benefits that are more generous to people here illegally than Canadians who have paid taxes all their lives receive.”
Immigration Minister Lena Diab announced on Oct. 16 that certain applicants would receive additional points under Express Entry, the federal system used to select skilled foreign workers for permanent residence. The changes, which take effect Nov. 3, would favour applicants with Canadian work experience or job offers in “high-wage” occupations….