The winding down of MITT is a clear example of how sudden federal changes to immigration and international student rules can land hard at the local level. MITT has helped train the skilled workers Winnipeg needs, and my thoughts are with the students and staff dealing with this uncertainty.
We’re already experiencing the knock-on effects of the federal cap on international students. Fewer students means fewer people supporting local businesses, filling part-time jobs, and using city services. One place we’re seeing that is Winnipeg Transit, where ridership has been impacted because fewer newcomers and students are arriving in the city, and they have traditionally been strong transit users.
This is exactly why we need governments working together, with clear timelines and clear targets, so Winnipeg can plan for growth and keep services strong.