We already mentioned that year 2012 was a success in terms of newly arrived international students in Canada. The numbers had exceeded 100 000 people - this is reported as a huge increase since the past years (Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada).
For the past months, there were numerous of strikes organized by the Canadian Foreign Service officers, demanding for wage adjustments and resumption of contract negotiations with the Canadian government. So far, the effects of this is a reported delay of up to 6 weeks in the processing of study and tourist visas. Obviously, this can result in less interest from foreigners, planning to visit and/or study in Canada for the coming months. As for tourism, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada reported potential loses of CAD $280 million for 2013.
Depending what course of action will be adopted by the government will determine where exactly those people will go. The United States of America as a near country and with their immigration reform currently being considered, might be the alternative for them.
It is clear that all of this can cause negative effects on the Canadian economy in long term, so all we can do is hope they overcome those problems and continue the good practice from the past years in terms of foreign students and tourists.
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