In a significant policy shift, the Canadian government announced on Thursday that it would reduce immigration targets to address rising public concerns over population growth.
The decision follows a surge in the country’s population, which reached 41 million, largely driven by an unprecedented influx of new arrivals, with immigration accounting for almost 98% of this growth in 2023, 60% of which can be attributed to temporary residents.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister, Marc Miller, revealed that the previous goal of welcoming 500,000 new permanent residents in 2025 and 2026 has been revised. The new targets set for the next three years include 395,000 permanent residents in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027.
Miller stated that the plan aims to “pause population growth in the short term” while working towards sustainable growth in the long term.
He stressed the necessity of adapting immigration policies to reflect the pressures facing the country, particularly in relation to housing costs, which Canadians consistently rank as a top concern.
A recent survey by the Environics Institute noted a shift in public sentiment towards immigration, revealing that for the first time in 25 years, a majority of Canadians (58%) believe the country accepts too many immigrants. This figure represents a 14 percentage point increase since 2023.
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In addition to adjusting permanent residency targets, the government is implementing measures to control the number of temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers. By the end of 2026, Canada aims to reduce its temporary resident volume to 5% of the total population.
Miller said that the changes are designed to ensure immigration works for all Canadians, allowing access to quality jobs, housing, and support systems.
“The levels plan includes controlled targets for temporary residents, specifically international students, and foreign workers, as well as for permanent residents,” the minister said. “Today’s announcement is the next step in our plan to address the evolving immigration needs of our country. While it’s clear our economy needs newcomers, we see the pressures facing our country, and we must adapt our policies accordingly.
“These changes will make immigration work for our country so that everyone has access to the quality jobs, homes, and support they need to thrive. We have listened to Canadians, and we will continue to protect the integrity of our system and grow our population responsibly.”