The NDP’s stance differs from the Trudeau-led Liberal government, which has proposed limiting the entry of international students as one potential measure to address the housing shortage.
“Let’s be clear, there is no blame that should be attributed to international students for the housing crisis we are in,” Singh said in a video message.
Singh proposed that educational institutions should develop plans to house their students and that study permits should be issued only to universities or other schools that can demonstrate they have such plans in place. The suggestion aims to address some of the immediate pressures on housing availability.
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Canada’s affordable housing crisis is a growing concern, significantly impacting young people, low-income households, and the government’s overall popularity. The shortage has been particularly difficult for the country’s large population of Indian students, with some student groups organizing protests to demand suitable accommodations.
