Rachel Bendayan’s appointment comes as part of a broader political shift—just yesterday, Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s new Prime Minister, replacing Justin Trudeau. As Carney sets his agenda, immigration will remain a key issue, with Bendayan at the helm of a portfolio that directly impacts Canada’s economic strategy.
Canada’s immigration system is at a crossroads. With Rachel Bendayan stepping in as the new minister, will policies shift—or stay the same? Her appointment comes at a critical moment when immigration levels, economic pressures, and public sentiment are shaping Canada’s future as a destination for newcomers.
Who is Rachel Bendayan, and what does her leadership mean for immigrants, workers, students, and families hoping to build their lives in Canada? This article breaks down her background, compares her approach to that of her predecessor, and explores what changes—if any—newcomers can expect in the coming months.
Rachel Bendayan is stepping into one of Canada’s most high-profile and scrutinized ministerial roles—Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. But who is she, and what can immigrants expect under her leadership?
Born and raised in Montreal, Bendayan comes from a Moroccan-Jewish family, a background that gives her a personal connection to immigration. A McGill-educated lawyer specializing in international trade and litigation, she built a strong reputation in legal and political circles before making her mark in government.
Her political career began with a failed run in 2015, but she won a seat in 2019, representing Outremont, a diverse riding with a significant immigrant population. As a Member of Parliament, she quickly climbed the ranks, serving as Parliamentary Secretary in economic and trade-focused ministries before being appointed Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety in 2024.
While she hasn’t been a vocal figure on immigration policy before today, her past roles offer some clues about her approach. In her work with Canada’s French-speaking communities, she actively supported immigration as a tool for strengthening Francophone minority regions. Her economic background also suggests she sees immigration as an engine for growth, aligning with the Liberal Party’s long-standing pro-immigration stance.
Now, as Immigration Minister, she faces a complex challenge: balancing Canada’s need for skilled workers and international students with growing concerns over housing shortages, job market pressures, and strained public services. Will she maintain the restrictions introduced by Marc Miller, or will she carve out her own path? Her next moves will shape the future of thousands of immigrants looking to study, work, and build their lives in Canada.
Bendayan is taking over immigration policy at a crucial moment—just as Mark Carney assumes office as Canada’s new Prime Minister. While Marc Carney has emphasized economic rigor and sustainability in immigration, it remains to be seen how this will shape Bendayan’s approach compared to Marc Miller’s policies of the past year.
Rachel Bendayan steps into the role of Immigration Minister at a time of heightened debate over Canada’s immigration levels. But how will her approach compare to that of her predecessor, Marc Miller? While both are Liberal Party ministers, their leadership styles and priorities may shape immigration policies in different ways.
Under Marc Miller, Canada’s immigration policy took a more restrictive turn. Facing growing concerns over housing shortages and public service capacity, Miller introduced significant measures to slow down immigration growth. His tenure saw:
A Cap on International Students: To ease pressure on housing and job markets, Miller introduced a nationwide limit on study permits, cutting approvals by around 35% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Tighter Rules for Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs): Stricter employer requirements and reduced access to work permits for spouses of international students and workers made it harder for temporary residents to settle permanently.
A Reduction in Permanent Residency Targets: For the first time in years, Canada lowered its immigration targets, cutting planned PR admissions from 500,000 to 395,000 in 2025.
Miller’s approach was pragmatic—he continued to champion immigration but emphasized that Canada needed to “pause and adjust” before ramping up numbers again.
So far, Bendayan has not signaled a dramatic departure from Miller’s policies. Given the current political and economic climate, she is expected to continue the “managed immigration” approach, at least in the short term.
However, there are key areas where she might bring a different touch:
A More Diplomatic Tone: Miller was known for his blunt, no-nonsense approach. Bendayan, with her background in economic diplomacy and trade, may focus on smoother communication with stakeholders—provinces, businesses, and immigrant communities.
A Renewed Focus on Francophone Immigration: Having worked as Minister of Official Languages, she has actively supported boosting Francophone immigration outside Quebec. Expect her to push harder for policies that attract more French-speaking newcomers.
Potential Adjustments to Student and Work Permit Rules: While major reversals are unlikely, she may introduce targeted improvements to help international students and skilled workers transition more smoothly to permanent residency.
At least for now, Bendayan is inheriting and maintaining Miller’s policies rather than overhauling them. The caps on study permits and work visas are likely to stay in place, and the reduction in PR admissions won’t be reversed overnight. However, her leadership style could bring a more collaborative and immigrant-friendly narrative to the discussion. Whether that translates into real policy shifts remains to be seen.
Expect no immediate loosening of restrictions. The government tightened rules on temporary work permits, limiting access to open work permits for spouses of international students and introducing stricter employer requirements for temporary foreign workers (TFWs).
PR targets have been reduced, making Express Entry and PNP pathways more competitive. However, those already in Canada—international students and skilled workers—are being prioritized.
The cap on study permits remains in place, making it harder to obtain a student visa. However, Bendayan may work on improving student protections and ensuring institutions provide proper housing and job support.
Spousal and child sponsorship programs remain unchanged, but the parent and grandparent sponsorship lottery is still extremely competitive.
Rachel Bendayan’s leadership will determine how effectively Canada balances opportunity with capacity. While immigration remains a priority, the path to staying in Canada is becoming more selective.
To make informed decisions and assess your best immigration options, ask Aïa, your personal immigration assistant, to understand your eligibility, explore tailored pathways, and stay ahead of policy updates—ensuring you take the right steps toward making Canada your new home.
Bendayan’s success as Immigration Minister will be judged on her ability to maintain Canada’s reputation as a top immigration destination while ensuring sustainable growth. Whether she refines existing policies or introduces new ones, one thing is certain: immigrants will be watching closely.