Canada to Curb Immigration Targets Amid Declining Public Support
In a significant policy shift, Canada has announced a reduction in its immigration targets, citing the need to “pause” population growth. This move comes as public support for immigration in the country continues to decline.
Canada, known for its welcoming stance on immigration, has seen a rapid increase in population, with a 3.2% jump from 2023 to 2024, the highest annual rise since 1957. The national statistic agency reports that the country’s population now stands at 41 million, partly driven by an influx of new arrivals.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged the contribution of immigrants to Canada’s economic recovery from the Covid pandemic but emphasized the need for “adjustments” to the country’s immigration policies. “Today, we’re announcing that we will reduce the number of immigrants we bring in over the next three years, which will result in a pause in the population growth over the next two years,” Trudeau stated.
Trudeau emphasized the need to stabilize the population to allow for investments in healthcare, housing, and social services. The revised immigration targets reduce the number of new permanent residents to be admitted in 2025 and 2026 from 500,000 to 395,000 and 380,000, respectively, with a target of 365,000 for 2027.
According to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, the plan is “probably the first of its kind” in terms of its broad efforts to control population growth in Canada. The country’s foreign-born population stands at 23%, with the majority of immigrants hailing from Asia and the Middle East, although an increasing number are coming from Africa.
A recent survey by the Environics Institute revealed that a clear majority of Canadians (58%) believe the country takes in too many immigrants, up 14% from 2023. Another survey by Abacus Data found that one in two Canadians believe immigration is harming the country, with concerns mainly centered around the perceived lack of essential resources, particularly affordable housing.
Responding to the shift, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce warned that significantly decreasing the labor pool will impact thousands of employers struggling to find the workforce they need, given Canada’s aging population and low fertility rates.
Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the move, suggesting that Trudeau is attempting to boost his popularity ahead of next year’s elections. Poilievre stated that Canadians should not expect Trudeau to keep his promises, given his current decline in support.
Canada’s immigration policy shift highlights the country’s efforts to balance its economic needs with public concerns about population growth and resource allocation.