Canada continues to make changes to its immigration policies following economic and infrastructure pressures. If the Government of Justin Trudeau decided a few months ago to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers and students from other latitudes, now it is the turn of the quota for permanent residents. Next year, the country will receive 395,000 new arrivals instead of the 500,000 contemplated in the previous plan; a 21% decrease in this category. In 2026, the established figure is 380,000 and in 2027 the objective is to welcome 365,000.
The Canadian prime minister made the announcement this Thursday in Ottawa. “We failed to find the right balance between labor market needs and maintaining population growth as we emerge from the tumultuous post-pandemic period,” said Justin Trudeau. However, he specified that this is not a change with respect to his country’s welcoming tradition, but rather “a responsible and pragmatic pause” that provides enough time to make necessary investments in areas such as health, housing and services. to welcome more people in the future. “Canadians are justifiably proud of our immigration system,” he added.
In this same quote, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said that this new plan will allow better management that will benefit both Canadians and immigrants over time. Miller cited as an example of this change in immigration policy the fact that 670,000 housing units will not have to be built between now and 2027. The new plan, which will cause a population decrease of 0.2% in the next two years, stipulates that 62% of new arrivals will belong to the economic category (focusing on critical sectors such as healthcare and skilled trades); the rest will be for family reunification and refugee programs.
In January, Ottawa reported a temporary limit on the number of foreign students, as well as stricter monitoring of refugee applications. In this regard, Canada reimposed visa requirements for Mexican citizens at the end of February. In early September, Trudeau announced several provisions to limit the arrival of temporary foreign workers.
Following Thursday’s announcement regarding permanent residents, Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, wrote on social media: “Trudeau now admits that his immigration policies have caused a housing, healthcare and employment crisis. But he can’t fix what’s already broken. Only conservatives with common sense can do it.” The most recent polls give an advantage of between 15 and 20 percentage points to Poilievre’s party over the prime minister’s Liberals. Added to this decline in electoral sympathies is the breaking of the agreement between Justin Trudeau’s group and the New Democratic Party, a pact that allowed for a stable minority government. There are even more and more voices calling on Trudeau not to undertake the adventure of seeking a fourth term.
In a statement, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce said the plan is disappointing as it will impact thousands of business owners across the country “who are struggling to find the workforce they need to operate and grow.” The agency also noted that this will also “reduce Canada’s ability to attract foreign direct investment.”
