In a notable cabinet shift, Rachel Bendayan has been appointed Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, stepping in at a pivotal moment as the country rebalances its immigration goals. She succeeds Marc Miller, taking over just as immigration strategies are being re-evaluated to better align with Canada’s housing supply, labor market needs, and economic outlook.
Her appointment reflects the government’s intent to introduce fresh, pragmatic leadership while keeping immigration aligned with national priorities.
Who is Rachel Bendayan?
A Montreal native with Moroccan-Jewish roots, Bendayan brings both legal and economic expertise to her new post. A graduate of McGill University with degrees in both civil and common law, she’s fluent in English and French—an asset for bilingual immigration policy.
Her legal background includes time at Norton Rose Fulbright, where she specialized in trade law and international arbitration. She’s also served as a law lecturer, further reinforcing her credentials in professional development and public service.
Political Track Record with Economic Focus
Since entering Parliament in 2019, Bendayan has held a series of senior roles touching finance, tourism, trade, and small business. Notably, she served as Parliamentary Secretary to both the Deputy Prime Minister and the Finance Minister, giving her first-hand experience in shaping economic policy.
Her past portfolios suggest that her immigration leadership will closely tie migration policy to economic impact, workforce gaps, and regional labor shortages.
What to Expect from Immigration Under Bendayan
Though no formal announcements have been made, early signals suggest:
- Targeted Express Entry draws will continue, prioritizing in-demand occupations in sectors like health, tech, and skilled trades.
- Tighter control on temporary resident numbers (especially students and foreign workers) to reduce housing strain and ensure labor-market alignment.
- A stronger push for Francophone immigration, especially outside Quebec.
- Efforts are being made to modernize visa processing systems to reduce delays and support high-efficiency application handling.
- Possible adjustments in PNP and work permit programs to ease regional shortages.
The Road Ahead
With her cross-sector expertise, Rachel Bendayan is well-positioned to introduce a more structured, data-informed immigration model. As Canada recalibrates its priorities, its leadership may offer a more economically focused path forward, balancing population growth with national capacity.
