Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will significantly reduce its immigration targets after acknowledging his government’s failure to strike the right balance post-pandemic. The decision marks a shift in policy as Trudeau faces mounting criticism over immigration and its impact on housing affordability.
Trudeau’s Liberal government had initially planned to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents annually over the next two years. However, the target for 2024 will now be reduced to 395,000, with further decreases to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027.
“In the chaotic period following the pandemic, we didn’t get the balance right between addressing labor shortages and ensuring sustainable population growth,” Trudeau admitted. “Immigration is vital for Canada’s future, but it must be carefully managed to remain sustainable.”
The policy shift comes as Trudeau faces internal party dissent and calls not to seek a fourth term. Critics argue that the rapid population growth—Canada’s population surged from 37.5 million in 2019 to 41 million in 2024—has exacerbated the country’s housing crisis.
Stabilizing Growth for the Future
Trudeau emphasized the need to stabilize population growth to allow governments at all levels to improve healthcare, housing, and social services. “We must prepare to accommodate more people in the future, but this requires stabilizing growth now,” he stated.
He also criticized corporations and institutions for exploiting immigration policies. “Many companies abuse temporary worker programs, refusing to pay Canadians fair wages, while some colleges and universities prioritize profit over capacity, enrolling more international students than communities can support. This needs to change,” he added.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller echoed these concerns, stating that lower immigration targets will alleviate housing shortages and respond to changing public sentiment. “We remain an open country, but not everyone can come here,” Miller said, affirming that the revised targets are still ambitious.
Opposition Criticism
Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party accused Trudeau of undermining Canada’s historically bipartisan consensus on immigration. “He has mismanaged immigration and housing policies, creating chaos while failing to address these critical issues,” Poilievre said.
Poilievre also highlighted internal dissent within Trudeau’s party, with some lawmakers urging the prime minister to step aside ahead of the next election. However, Trudeau affirmed his intent to lead the Liberals into the next vote.
Expert Analysis
Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Toronto, criticized the government’s lack of coordination with provinces, which are responsible for housing, healthcare, and education.
“The logic of boosting immigration to sustain economic growth and offset an aging population was sound. But without provincial cooperation, the government struggled to meet the welfare needs of both citizens and newcomers,” Wiseman said.
While Canada has historically been less xenophobic than other nations, Wiseman noted that growing challenges in housing, healthcare, and education have turned many Canadians against rising immigration levels. “The government is responding to these shifting public attitudes,” he concluded.
This policy adjustment marks a pivotal moment in Canada’s immigration strategy, signaling a shift toward more controlled growth to address the nation’s evolving economic and social needs.