Toronto, Oct 25 – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday that Canada will significantly reduce its immigration targets in the coming years, following criticisms and an acknowledgment that his government’s approach didn’t strike the right balance post-pandemic.
Initially, Trudeau’s Liberal government aimed to bring in 500,000 new permanent residents annually over the next two years. However, Trudeau revealed that the 2024 target will be adjusted to 395,000, decreasing further to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027. “As we navigated post-pandemic challenges, balancing labor needs with population growth, we missed the mark,” Trudeau said. “While immigration is critical for Canada’s future, it must be both controlled and sustainable.”
The Prime Minister has faced increased criticism from within his party and beyond for the impact of rapid population growth on housing affordability. Canada’s population reached 41 million in April, up from 37.5 million in 2019. Trudeau expressed the need to stabilize this growth to allow for essential adjustments in healthcare, housing, and social services.
In a surprising response from U.S. politics, Donald Trump commented on social media, “Even Justin Trudeau wants to close Canada’s Borders,” using it to bolster arguments for tighter U.S. immigration controls.
Trudeau further attributed challenges to certain groups, claiming, “Many corporations have exploited our temporary programs, underpaying foreign workers and avoiding hiring Canadians at fair wages. Some colleges and universities are also bringing in more international students than local communities can handle, all for profit. That has to change.”
Immigration Minister Marc Miller added that the revised targets aim to ease housing shortages, acknowledging that public opinion on immigration has shifted. “The volume we previously set has raised concerns,” Miller said, highlighting the government’s need to adapt. He assured that Canada remains an open country but noted that “not everyone can come to this country.”
Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party criticized Trudeau, accusing him of dismantling a bipartisan consensus on immigration that had existed for 150 years. “He’s destroyed our immigration system and is now focused on managing internal party conflicts,” Poilievre remarked, alluding to calls from within Trudeau’s party for him not to pursue a fourth term. Trudeau, however, affirmed his intent to lead in the next election.
Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Toronto, argued that while the government’s strategy to boost the economy with young immigrants was logical, Ottawa has limited influence over the housing, healthcare, and educational needs of citizens and immigrants, which are provincial responsibilities. Wiseman noted that increased immigration has led to growing discontent among Canadians, fueled by rising housing and welfare concerns.
