Canada Announces Significant Cut in Immigration Numbers

Canada is set to implement a significant reduction in immigration numbers for the first time in years, as the government grapples with rising housing prices and public sentiment regarding immigration. The new targets will see a decrease in both permanent and temporary residents, marking a notable shift in policy.

Key Takeaways

• Canada will reduce the number of new permanent residents to 395,000 in 2025, down from 485,000 in 2024.
• The number of temporary residents will decrease by approximately 30,000, bringing the total to around 300,000 in 2025.
• This decision has sparked criticism from migrant advocates, who view it as a rollback of migrant rights.

Background on Immigration Policy Changes

For years, Canada has prided itself on being a welcoming nation for newcomers. However, the national conversation around immigration has shifted recently, largely due to escalating housing prices. Many Canadians have found themselves priced out of the housing market, a situation exacerbated by a significant influx of immigrants that has pushed the population to record levels.

The upcoming federal election, due no later than October 2025, has intensified the debate, with polls indicating that a growing number of Canadians believe the country is accepting too many immigrants. This sentiment has led to a backlash against newcomers, with reports of increased hate crimes against visible minorities.

Details of the New Immigration Targets

According to a government source, the new immigration targets are as follows:

This marks a significant departure from the pandemic era, during which the government relaxed rules for temporary residents to address labor shortages. Last year, Canada had aimed to bring in 500,000 new permanent residents in both 2025 and 2026.

Reactions from Migrant Advocates

Migrant advocates have expressed strong disapproval of the government’s decision. Syed Hussan, spokesperson for the Migrant Rights Network Secretariat, described the cuts as "one of the most egregious rollbacks of migrant rights in Canadian history." He emphasized that reducing the number of permanent residents will force many migrants to remain in temporary status or become undocumented, pushing them into exploitative job situations.

Government’s Justification

The Liberal government, currently trailing in the polls, has been attempting to regulate immigration in response to public concerns. Immigration Minister Marc Miller previously stated that Canadians desire an immigration system that is "not out of control."

In line with this, the government has approved fewer visas this year and has turned away a growing number of visa-holders at the border. The administration aims to reduce the share of temporary residents in the population to 5% over three years, down from 6.8% in April.

Conclusion

The decision to cut immigration numbers represents a significant shift in Canada’s approach to immigration policy. As the government navigates rising public sentiment and housing challenges, the implications for migrants and the broader Canadian society remain to be seen. The upcoming federal election will likely further shape the discourse around immigration in the country.

Sources

• Canada to cut immigration numbers, government source says | Reuters, Reuters.