Trudeau Announces Immigration Policy Changes Amid Criticism.
TORONTO (AP) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Thursday that Canada will reduce the number of new immigrants allowed into the country. This decision comes after acknowledging that his government did not achieve the right balance in immigration policy following the pandemic.
Trudeau’s Liberal government faced backlash for its plan to accept 500,000 new permanent residents each year for the next two years. Now, he stated that the target for 2025 will be 395,000 new permanent residents, followed by 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027.
“In the tumultuous times after the pandemic, we struggled to balance labor needs and population growth,” Trudeau explained. “Immigration is vital for Canada’s future, but it must be controlled and sustainable.”
Facing pressure from within his party regarding his future as Prime Minister, Trudeau has been criticized for his immigration policies. Many argue that population growth has negatively affected housing affordability in Canada.
He emphasized that the reduction in the number of new immigrants will help stabilize population growth over the next two years. Canada’s population reached 41 million in April, up from 37.5 million in 2019.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on social media, “Even Justin Trudeau wants to close Canada’s borders,” as he advocated for stricter border measures in the U.S.
Trudeau stressed the importance of stabilizing population growth so that all levels of government can implement necessary changes in healthcare, housing, and social services to accommodate future residents.
He also directed blame at corporations and educational institutions. “Far too many companies have abused our temporary measures, hiring foreign workers instead of paying Canadians fairly,” Trudeau stated. He added that some colleges and universities are admitting more international students than communities can support, treating these students as mere sources of profit. “That’s unacceptable and it needs to change,” he concluded.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller supported the decision to lower immigration numbers, stating it will alleviate the country’s housing shortage. He recognized that public opinion on immigration has shifted. “We understand the concerns of Canadians and must adjust our policies,” he said.
Miller assured that Canada remains open to newcomers, but added, “Not everyone can come to this country.” He described the government’s immigration targets as ambitious yet necessary.
Trudeau’s government has previously promoted Canada as a leader in welcoming immigrants and integrating them into the economy. However, Pierre Poilievre, leader of the opposition Conservative Party, accused Trudeau of undermining the national consensus on immigration.
“He has destroyed our immigration system due to his incompetence,” Poilievre said, claiming Trudeau has eroded a 150-year agreement between Liberals and Conservatives on immigration policy. “He cannot fix what he broke,” he added, referencing dissent within Trudeau’s party regarding a potential fourth term.
Nelson Wiseman, a political science professor at the University of Toronto, expressed that the Trudeau government has made significant mistakes in its immigration approach. He stated, “The idea of bringing in young immigrants to support the economy and an aging population was sound. However, Ottawa has little control over housing, healthcare, and education needs, which fall under provincial jurisdiction.”
Wiseman noted that while a small percentage of Canadians may hold xenophobic views, they are less prevalent compared to other countries. He indicated that recent challenges related to housing, health, and education have turned many Canadians against the rising number of immigrants and temporary workers. “Ottawa has read the polls and is responding to this shift,” he said.
Related topics:
- Canada Reduces Immigration After Years of Growth
- Immigrants and Asylum Seekers Fuel Economic Growth
- Canada Reduces Immigrant Intake Due to Public Concerns About Immigration
