Contributed to The Hill Times by Daniel Jutras | Published September 24, 2025 — Daniel Jutras is Chair of U15 Canada and Rector of the Université de Montréal.
The decision last year to include graduate students in the federal study permit cap poses a serious limitation on this country’s capacity to conduct research.
In this unprecedented moment when our sovereignty and economic security are under threat, now is the time to deliver an immigration system that can restore Canada’s reputation and welcome the best and brightest talent from around the world. Doing so will be key for the health of our research ecosystem, and a central pillar towards building a strong, self-dependent, and resilient country.
Over the last two years, Canada’s international student system has experienced profoundly disruptive changes. The fallout from these far-reaching reforms continues to be felt. While much of the attention has focused on the impact this is having on temporary resident numbers, post-secondary finances, and this country’s reputation in the world, it also holds troubling repercussions for university research and the longstanding success of our research ecosystem….
Rebuilding our immigration system to attract the best and brightest – The Hill Times