Canada to cut immigration numbers amid political pressures
Canada's new policy cuts immigration numbers to ease housing crisis, political pressure
Canada will significantly cut its immigration numbers for the first time in years as part of a new policy shift aimed at retaining power. The country plans to admit 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, followed by 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. This is a sharp decrease from the 485,000 new permanent residents expected in 2024. Additionally, the number of temporary residents will drop by approximately 30,000 to around 300,000 in 2025.
Traditionally, Canada has welcomed immigrants, but the conversation has shifted due to rising housing prices. Housing has become more unaffordable for many Canadians since interest rates began climbing two years ago. A significant influx of immigrants has pushed the population to record levels, increasing housing demand and prices. This issue has become a hot-button topic in Canadian politics, with a federal election looming by October 2025. Polls indicate a growing number of Canadians believe the country has too many immigrants. There has been a backlash against newcomers, with a rise in reported hate crimes against visible minorities.
Migrant advocates have criticised the new policy. Syed Hussan from the Migrant Rights Network Secretariat called it “one of the most egregious rollbacks of migrant rights in Canadian history,” arguing that reducing permanent resident numbers will push migrants into temporary or undocumented status and exploitative jobs. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office has not yet commented on the new targets.
Permanent resident spots might be cut Nov 1 in addition to excluding 775,000 people – many already in Canada. Don’t let the scapegoating of migrants rip apart families & increase exploitation at work.
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— Workers' Action Centre (@WorkersAC) October 18, 2024
The revised immigration targets represent a departure from the pandemic era when Canada eased rules for temporary residents to address labour shortages. Canada had initially intended to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents in both 2025 and 2026. As of the second quarter of 2024, there were 2.8 million temporary residents, including workers and students, in the country.
In an August interview, Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that “Canadians want a system that is not out of control.” The Liberal government, lagging in the polls with some legislators seeking to replace their leader, has been working to control immigration. Under Trudeau, fewer visas have been approved this year, and border officials have turned away more visa-holders. The government aims to reduce the share of temporary residents from 6.8% in April to 5% over three years.
Additionally, there are caps on the number of international students entering Canada, and the rules for temporary foreign workers have tightened. This program, which brings non-Canadians to work temporarily, has faced criticism for lowering wages and leaving workers vulnerable to abuse.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Canada’s Immigration Policy in a scarce housing market is criticized for straining healthcare and housing affordability, leading to public discontent and policy adjustments to limit temporary residents and student visas.(read more)
- SCMP reports Trudeau’s government is reducing Canada’s immigration target by 21% after record growth, citing pressure on housing and public services, and aiming to scale back immigration ambition.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Canada cutting its immigration numbers?
To retain power amid rising housing prices and growing sentiment against high immigration rates.
How many new permanent residents will Canada admit in 2025?
Canada plans to admit 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025.
What is the expected number of temporary residents in Canada for 2025?
Approximately 300,000 temporary residents are expected in 2025.
Why is housing affordability an issue in Canada?
Rising interest rates and increased immigration have driven up housing demand and prices.
What criticism has the new immigration policy faced?
Migrant advocates argue it pushes migrants into temporary or undocumented status and exploitative jobs.
