Fort St. John raises concerns over federal international student permit changes

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The City of Fort St. John Council has voted to write a letter to the federal government about policy changes set to impact international student study permits and post-graduate work permits. 

During the November 12th regular council meeting, Mayor Lilia Hansen and councillors reviewed a letter forwarded to the city by the City of Dawson Creek. 

Addressed to Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the letter expressed Dawson Creek’s concerns about the possible negative impact reductions in international work permits could have on the community.

“Our region is deeply affected by the challenges of attracting and retaining skilled workers to industries and professions critical to the local economy and the well-being of our community,” Mayor Darcy Dober stated in the letter. 

Specifically, the city expressed concerns about how the reduction in permit approvals could impact Northern Lights College. According to the letter, the college contributed over $289 million to the local economy, and accounts for one in every 15 local jobs. 

“While these federal policy changes focus on national labour market targets, they must adequately consider the unique regional needs of remote, rural areas like ours.” 

After reviewing the letter, the City of Fort St. John council voted unanimously to write a similar letter to Miller, expressing caution and recommending a regional approach rather than the current broad strokes changes. 

To read the full letter forwarded to the City of Fort St. John, see below.