Canada Scales Back Immigration Targets, Trudeau Admits Policy Failed

Canada has scaled back immigration targets as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admits that his Liberal government failed to correctly measure the balance of migrants coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trudeau’s government initially allowed 500,000 new permanent residents into Canada in each of the next two years, but on Thursday, the prime minister said next year’s target changed to 395,000 new permanent residents, followed by 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027.

“In the tumultuous times as we emerged from the pandemic, between addressing labor needs and maintaining population growth, we didn’t get the balance right,” Trudeau said. “Immigration is essential for Canada’s future, but it must be controlled and it must be sustainable.”

Canada’s population climbed to 41 million in April. In 2019, the population was at 37.5 million.

Trudeau Faces Criticism Over Immigration

The prime minister has faced increased criticism over his immigration policies and the negative impact that Canada’s population growth has had on affordable housing.

“He has destroyed our immigration system through his own personal incompetence and destroyed 150 years of common sense consensus with the Liberals and Conservatives on that subject,” Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the opposition Conservative Party, said of Trudeau.

Poilievre added: “He cannot fix what he broke on immigration and housing or anything else because he is busy fighting his own caucus,” referring to calls from some members of the Liberal Party for Trudeau to not seek re-election.

What Has the Immigration Minister Said?

Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller acknowledged the shift in public opinion about immigration, saying, “That volume that we have put forward is of concern.”

He said the government sees the pressures facing its people and must adapt its policies accordingly.

“We are an open country, but not everyone can come to this country,” the minister said.

Miller also said lower immigration numbers will help with the country’s housing shortage.

Meanwhile, Trudeau said Canada must stabilize its population growth to let all levels of government make necessary changes to health care, housing and social services so that the country can accommodate more people later on.

Trudeau Put Under Pressure by His Own Party

Members of the Liberal Party asked Trudeau on Wednesday not to run for another term.

Three Liberal members of Parliament said they were among 20-plus lawmakers from the party to sign a letter asking Trudeau to step down before the next election, which can take place any time between this fall and October 2025.

While over two dozen lawmakers are enough to raise alarm, it’s on the lower end of the 153 Liberals in Canada’s House of Commons.

Trudeau said Thursday that he will lead his party into the next election, which came after he met with Liberal members of Parliament for three hours Wednesday.

“The Liberal Party is strong and united,” the prime minister said after leaving Wednesday’s meeting.

On Thursday, Trudeau said there were ongoing “robust conversations” about the best way to move forward, but “that will happen as me as leader going into the next election.”

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.