Canada has announced plans to significantly reduce the number of immigrants it accepts, marking the first time the country has taken such a step.
According to a report by Reuters, this shift in immigration policy is seen as critical for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government as it seeks to maintain power ahead of the upcoming federal election.
The new plan will see Canada admit 395,000 permanent residents in 2025, with the target dropping to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027. This marks a sharp reduction from the 485,000 new immigrants Canada is expected to welcome in 2024.
Additionally, the number of temporary residents in Canada is also set to decline, with the government projecting a decrease to around 300,000 by 2025—roughly 30,000 fewer than in recent years.
The decision comes at a time when Canada, long known for its open-door immigration policies, is facing growing domestic concerns. Rising housing prices and affordability issues have shifted the national conversation on immigration in recent years.
