Canada is relinquishing its welcome mat to newcomers, ending more than three decades of open-door policy that has earned it the reputation of being the world’s most pro-immigration country. On Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government announced that Canada will reduce its annual intake of permanent residents immediately by 21 per cent to 395,000 next year, 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027 — following similar trends in other major immigration countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia. The move marks a new era since the late 1980s, when then-Conservative Prime Minister Brian Mulroney opened the doors to immigration.

Reducing Immigration Targets: A New Era for Canada

Prime Minister Trudeau and Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the new immigration levels plan, which aims to reduce both permanent and temporary resident numbers. This decision comes after the government had previously raised annual permanent resident targets from 272,000 to 485,000 this year, with the biggest jump in 2021 to 401,000 when the border reopened after the pandemic and Ottawa resorted to immigration as an economic stimulant.

The plan also includes reductions in the number of temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers. Canada’s temporary population will be reduced by 445,901 in 2025, 445,662 in 2026 but increased modestly by 17,439 in 2027.

Reasons Behind the Decision

The government has cited several reasons for the decision, including concerns about housing affordability, pressure on social services, and the need to manage the population growth rate. Trudeau acknowledged that the government “didn’t get the balance quite right” with its previous immigration policies.

The announcement follows a recent poll by the Environics Institute that found that 58 per cent of Canadians believe there is too much immigration. This is the first time in 25 years that a majority of Canadians have held this view.

Impacts on Migrant Workers

Critics of the plan have argued that it will disproportionately impact migrant workers, who will be forced to remain temporary or become undocumented.

Syed Hussan, a spokesperson for the Migrant Rights Network, said, “Cutting permanent resident numbers is a direct assault on migrants who will be forced to remain temporary or become undocumented, pushed further into exploitative jobs.”

Canada's Future as a Welcoming Nation

The government has said that the new immigration levels plan is designed to ensure that Canada’s population grows at a sustainable rate. However, some experts have expressed concern that the plan could have a negative impact on Canada’s economy and its reputation as a welcoming country.

Barbara Jo Caruso, co-president of the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association, said that it is unwise to cut immigration at a time when newcomers are part of the solution to Canada’s challenges. “We still have an aging population, low birth rate, and pressing economic and fiscal pressures,” she said. “Canada’s fundamental need for immigration has not changed.”

Diana Gallego, president of the Canadian Council for Refugees, said that the cuts to the humanitarian component of the levels plan will have a negative impact on refugees. “Canada has betrayed the world’s refugees,” she said.

The future of Canada’s immigration policies remains uncertain. The government has said that it will continue to review its policies and make adjustments as needed.

Only time will tell what the long-term impact of the new immigration levels plan will be on Canada.