Canada Scales Back Immigration Targets Amid Declining Public Support and Housing Concerns
OTTAWA, Canada (AFP) — In a significant policy shift, Canada announced on Thursday a reduction in its immigration targets, aiming to "pause population growth" amid waning public support for immigration and escalating housing concerns. This decision follows a notable surge in the Canadian population, which has now reached 41 million, primarily driven by an unprecedented influx of newcomers in recent years.
The Canadian immigration ministry had initially set ambitious plans to admit 500,000 new permanent residents by 2025 and 2026. However, the new targets have been revised downward, with plans to welcome 395,000 newcomers next year, 380,000 in 2026, and a further reduction to 365,000 in 2027.
In a statement, the immigration ministry outlined its revised strategy as a means to "pause population growth in the short term to achieve well-managed, sustainable growth in the long term." Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized the need for policy adaptation in light of the pressures facing the country, acknowledging that while the economy benefits from newcomers, there are challenges that necessitate careful management.
One of the central concerns driving this policy shift is Canada’s housing market. The ministry aims to alleviate pressure on housing, a recurrent worry among Canadians who consistently rank the cost of renting or owning a home as one of their top concerns.
The influx of new arrivals had previously been credited with aiding the Canadian economy’s resilience, helping it to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic without falling into recession. Despite the economic advantages, public opinion toward immigration has shifted significantly.
A recent survey conducted by the Environics Institute revealed that, for the first time in 25 years, a clear majority of Canadians—58%—believe the country admits too many immigrants. This marks a 14 percentage point increase from 2023, highlighting a growing sentiment of apprehension towards current immigration levels.
As Canada navigates these complex dynamics, the government appears to be balancing the economic benefits of immigration with the social and infrastructural challenges posed by rapid population growth. The revised immigration targets represent an effort to address these concerns while laying the groundwork for more sustainable growth in the future.
