Canada has announced a significant reduction in immigration numbers for the first time in years, with a plan to bring in 1.1 million new permanent residents from 2025 to 2027, a 21 percent drop from previous targets. The government also plans to reduce the number of temporary residents by about 30,000 to 300,000 in 2025. This shift in policy is aimed at pausing population growth in the short term to achieve sustainable growth in the long term.
The decision marks a departure from the COVID-19 pandemic era, when Canada had eased restrictions on temporary residents to fill labour shortages. The government cited evolving post-pandemic needs, with immigrants having met business demands for economic recovery but also placing pressure on housing, infrastructure, and social services.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged that the balance in immigration policy had not been quite right, leading to the new plan to bring in fewer permanent residents over the next three years. The move comes as Trudeau faces pressure amid declining poll numbers and increasing support for the opposition Conservatives.
However, the decision has sparked criticism from immigrant advocates who have called it an assault on migrants, with concerns that reducing permanent resident numbers could force individuals into exploitative jobs or leave them undocumented. Despite this backlash, the government asserts that the changes will help align capacities and allow for sustainable population growth. The plan aims to address the evolving immigration needs of Canada while managing the pressures facing the country.
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