Canada's New Immigration Plan to Address Past Mistakes

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently acknowledged that his government made mistakes in its immigration policies, which allowed bad actors like fake colleges and large corporations to exploit the system for personal gain. This admission comes as Trudeau faces increasing criticism amid a decline in his party's popularity ahead of the 2025 general election. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, he explained that the growing population pressure in Canada over the past two years made the system vulnerable to such exploitation.

To address these issues, Canada is reducing immigration targets for the next few years. The government now plans to admit 395,000 permanent residents in 2025, a 20% decrease from the previously expected 485,000. The number of temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers, will also drop from 800,000 to about 446,000. By 2027, Canada plans to admit only 17,400 new non-permanent residents. Additionally, the popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program has been discontinued, affecting many international students, particularly those from India.

Trudeau explained that the rapid economic recovery post-pandemic led to a significant demand for workers, which resulted in the government bringing in more temporary foreign workers. While this helped fuel economic growth, it also created problems, with some companies exploiting the system. Trudeau pointed out that many colleges and universities charged international students much higher fees for the same degree, contributing to the issue.

In response to Canada's housing crisis and cost-of-living concerns, Trudeau defended the decision to cut immigration, saying it would help stabilize population growth while the housing market catches up. The government intends to prioritize immigrants with specific skills needed in sectors like healthcare and construction. This shift aims to address the strain on housing and public services caused by the influx of temporary residents, while also ensuring that immigration targets better align with the country’s workforce needs.