Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced this on Thursday his government will “significantly reduce” the number of immigrants coming to the country in the next two years. Addressing X, Trudeau said the decision was “temporary” and to stop Canada’s population from growing.
“We will significantly reduce the number of immigrants coming to Canada over the next two years. This is temporary – to stop our population growth and allow our economy to catch up. We need to make the system work right for all Canadians,” the prime minister said in a post.
Canada will bring in 3,95,000 new permanent residents in 2025, 3,80,000 in 2026 and 3,65,000 in 2027, down from 4,85,000 in 2024. news agency Reuters quoted a Trudeau government source. Meanwhile, the number of temporary residents will drop by about 30,000 to about 300,000 in 2025, the source added.
The recent announcement comes days after Trudeau limit the number of study permits for international students in Canada.
In a tweet, the prime minister said his government would grant 35 percent fewer permits to international students this year, and the number would be cut by a further 10 percent in 2025.
Trudeau said his government would allow 35 percent fewer permits for international students in 2024 and issued a stark warning to “bad actors” if they “abuses the immigration system and takes advantage of students”.
Canada has long embraced immigration as a strategy to boost economic growth, but the Trudeau government has come under increasing pressure from Canadians in recent years as rising housing prices have raised concerns about the influx of foreigners into the country.
Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party has seen a significant drop in opinion polls in recent months as pressure mounts on the government’s handling of immigration. Many say uncontrolled migration is putting increasing strain on Canada’s housing market and social services.
Polls now show Trudeau’s chances of retaining power are slim, with opposition leader Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party gaining momentum.
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