Canada Slashes Immigration: A Political Shift Amid Housing and Economic Strains

Canada is set to significantly reduce its immigrant intake over the next few years, responding to shifting public opinion and economic challenges. The government will lower its intake of permanent and temporary residents, amid rising housing costs and increasing anti-immigrant sentiment.

In a notable shift in immigration policy, Canada will drastically reduce the number of immigrants allowed into the country over the coming years, according to a government source. The country aims to admit 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, with numbers declining to 365,000 by 2027, a marked decrease from 485,000 planned for 2024.

The cutbacks also affect temporary residents, which will drop by about 30,000 to 300,000 in 2025. This policy change comes amid aggressive debates triggered by soaring housing prices and heightened anti-immigrant sentiment.

The adjustments mark a departure from pandemic-era policies designed to address labor shortages. The Liberal government faces backlash and declining poll numbers due to these changes, especially as elections approach, while migrant advocates condemn the moves as a historic regression in migrant rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)