Canada Reduces Immigration Target Amid Strain from Record Growth
Canada is reducing its annual immigration target, aiming for about 395,000 permanent residents in 2024 instead of the previously planned half a million. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government cites pressures from recent immigration surges, including housing shortages and economic strains, as reasons for this adjustment. Permanent and temporary resident policies are being revised, with Immigration Minister Marc Miller expected to announce new targets soon.
The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, plans to significantly reduce its annual permanent-resident immigration target for the first time in over a decade.
Initially set at half a million, the target will be cut by 21% to about 395,000 in 2024.
The figure is projected to decrease further, reaching approximately 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027, as reported by the National Post.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller is expected to propose these revised figures to Parliament.
This scale-back responds to the stresses of unprecedented migration growth that began when travel restrictions lifted in 2022, leading to housing shortages, increased rents, and pressure on public services.
The trend has challenged Canada's approach to mass immigration, which has been integral in offsetting its aging workforce by attracting young, skilled migrants.
However, recent sentiment, as detected in long-standing immigration polls, indicates growing Canadian dissatisfaction with high immigration levels.
Adding to the complexity, the influx has largely been driven by temporary residents rather than permanent ones, sparking criticism of the Trudeau administration for inadequate immigration control.
The government plans to introduce the first annual target for temporary migrants, alongside measures to significantly reduce this population over the next three years.
Initially set at half a million, the target will be cut by 21% to about 395,000 in 2024.
The figure is projected to decrease further, reaching approximately 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027, as reported by the National Post.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller is expected to propose these revised figures to Parliament.
This scale-back responds to the stresses of unprecedented migration growth that began when travel restrictions lifted in 2022, leading to housing shortages, increased rents, and pressure on public services.
The trend has challenged Canada's approach to mass immigration, which has been integral in offsetting its aging workforce by attracting young, skilled migrants.
However, recent sentiment, as detected in long-standing immigration polls, indicates growing Canadian dissatisfaction with high immigration levels.
Adding to the complexity, the influx has largely been driven by temporary residents rather than permanent ones, sparking criticism of the Trudeau administration for inadequate immigration control.
The government plans to introduce the first annual target for temporary migrants, alongside measures to significantly reduce this population over the next three years.
