Canada aims to reduce immigration rates as Trudeau government changes policies
Canada will make significant changes to its immigration policy as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government prepares to announce a reduction in immigration rates.
This announcement follows years of consecutive increases in immigration numbers.
According to Immigration News Canada (INC), the decision is expected to be announced on Thursday, with new admission targets for permanent residents set to fall by 90,000 people in 2025, reducing the total from 485,000 to 395,000.
This is consistent with the INC’s July 2024 forecast of possible reductions in immigration targets. The revised figures represent a departure from previous government forecasts that targeted 500,000 new immigrants annually by 2025.
Revised immigration goals
INC reports that new immigration targets will continue to decline, reaching 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027.
This approach suggests a more careful view of immigration in the future. The change shows the Trudeau government is responding to public opinion and economic factors.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller is expected to provide a detailed breakdown of immigration programs on November 1, 2024. Early reports suggest that the federal economic class will face the biggest cuts.
Economic class cuts
Further reports indicate that the number of economic class immigrants is expected to decline by about 60%, resulting in just over 41,000 applicants being admitted in 2025.
This means the number of applicants accepted into the economic class immigration program is expected to decline significantly, with only about 41,000 expected to be accepted by next year.
Although the numbers are expected to recover slightly in 2026 and 2027, they will remain well below previous targets. The overall numbers will still be significantly lower than previously planned.
Economic immigration includes various programs, including the Agri-Food Pilot Program, the Canadian Experience Class, Caregiver programs and the Federal Skilled Worker program.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Enrollment through provincial nominee programs will be halved to 55,000 in 2025 and will remain at that level through 2027. This reduction significantly limits the opportunities available through provincial immigration flows.
This means the number of immigrants accepted under provincial nominee programs will decline in 2025 and remain at that level until 2027. This cut will significantly reduce the opportunities for people to immigrate under these provincial programs.
Family reunification programs
There will also be a significant decline in family reunification programs. The plan calls for cutting 20,000 family reunification visas in 2025, reducing the total from 118,000 to 98,000.
INC reports that this change could face backlash from family immigration advocates who argue that family reunification is an essential aspect of immigration policy.
Refugee programs and temporary residents
Cuts are also expected in the refugee program, although these numbers may fluctuate due to changing asylum and refugee claims.
The government will reportedly set official targets for temporary residence permits for the first time, aiming to reduce the number of applications by almost 30,000 by 2025, bringing the total to just over 300,000.
It is noted that the Trudeau government’s decision to lower immigration targets reflects both public sentiment and practical economic reality.
“After a recent Liberal caucus meeting, MPs expressed concerns about the popularity of government policies, particularly as immigration becomes a contentious political issue in Canada,” INC reports.
This means that following a recent meeting among Liberal Party members, some MPs have raised concerns about the popularity of the government’s policies. This is particularly relevant as immigration has become a contentious political issue in Canada.
Political implications
With the federal election scheduled for October 2025, the government is reportedly adjusting its stance in response to increasing public pressure.
According to INC, the decline in immigration rates indicates a significant shift in the Liberal government’s policies, moving away from the ambitious goals of previous years.
Additional reports said critics from opposition parties and the public have raised concerns about rapid population growth. The government’s decision to reduce immigration is likely a strategic move to regain voters‘ trust ahead of the elections.
The government hopes a more measured immigration strategy will ease the housing crisis, ease the strain on public services and tackle rising unemployment. However, the long-term impact of these policy changes on Canada’s economy and demographics remains uncertain.
