- Canada announces immigration cuts to ‘pause population growth’
- It marks a major shift in Trudeau’s government
- Canada increased immigration following the pandemic to fill labour shortages
- PM acknowledged his government “didn’t get the balance quite right”
- It comes amid concerns over housing and healthcare
Canada announces immigration cuts to ‘pause population growth’
Canada has announced a sharp reduction in immigration targets to curb population growth and allow provinces to address housing and social service strains. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government will lower the number of permanent residents allowed in 2025 from 500,000 to 395,000—a 21% decrease. By 2027, the goal will fall further to 365,000 new permanent residents.
The PM acknowledged his government “didn’t get the balance quite right” when increasing immigration following the pandemic to fill labour shortages.
While Canada’s growth was 97% immigration-driven last year, rising concerns over housing shortages and stretched healthcare have reduced public support, with 58% of Canadians now believing immigration levels are too high, according to an Environics Institute poll.
The move also comes after cuts to international student and temporary foreign worker quotas. While advocacy groups argue that Canada’s affordability crisis stems from long-term underfunding, not immigration, Trudeau emphasised that these reductions will give the country a pause to stabilise social services and housing for a sustainable future.