New Brunswick’s Green Party says botched federal immigration policies are failing the province, and it’s time for greater provincial autonomy.

In response to Ottawa’s temporary cap on student visas, Green Immigration Critic Kevin Arseneau has been pushing for greater provincial control over immigration policies as part of a renewed New-Brunswick-Ottawa accord on immigration.

“This situation highlights the need for New Brunswick to have greater control over its immigration policies. Prime Minister Trudeau’s one-size-fits-all approach might work in Ontario, but it’s not working for us here,” said Arseneau.

“This policy could be a disaster for our post-secondary institutions and our communities like Shippagan, Sackville, Fredericton, and so on.”

Arseneau is also calling for Immigration New Brunswick to restructure and expand its support systems that help immigrants successfully integrate into their new communities.

“Premier Higgs has failed newcomers by not meeting the needs or listening to the advice of municipalities, settlement and ethnocultural organizations who are on the ground doing the heavy lifting,” added Arseneau.

“We need someone in charge of making sure they are supported in the work they are doing to welcome newcomers to the province.”