Canada now expects to welcome 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023, up 4% from a previous target, and 485,000 in 2024, up 7.5%. "This year's immigration levels plan will help businesses find the workers they need," said Fraser in a statement. He added the new targets would also allow Canada to fulfil commitments to help those fleeing violence and war in their home countries. A record number of Canadians are now retiring, hastening a mass exodus of Canada's most highly skilled workers and leaving businesses scrambling. In a statement on Tuesday, the Business Council of Canada called for "bolder targets" in economic immigration.

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