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Trudeau admits immigration missteps, says Canada should’ve acted faster.
Trudeau claimed that Canada increased immigration to support the job market post-Covid-19 and prevent an economic downturn. Nevertheless, he alleged that certain individuals exploited these programs for personal gain, referring to them as “bad actors.
- Canada cuts permanent and temporary resident admissions
- Trudeau admits he could have acted sooner to check immigration
- Cuts aim to address housing crisis and cost-of-living issues
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada has admitted that his administration could have responded more promptly to rectify issues in immigration schemes, attributing the significant reductions in permanent and temporary resident admissions to the exploitation of the system by “bad actors.
In a seven-minute YouTube video released on Sunday, Trudeau disclosed changes to immigration policies and the reasoning behind his government’s implementation of them.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Trudeau highlighted Canada’s increased immigration efforts to strengthen the workforce and prevent an economic downturn. Nevertheless, he pointed out that certain organizations exploited these initiatives for profit.
Trudeau pointed out that while some viewed it as a way to profit by gaming the system, he observed numerous large corporations engaging in such practices.
He also criticised colleges and universities for using international student programs to boost revenues, and scammers for preying on vulnerable immigrants with false promises of citizenship.
Trudeau mentioned that in hindsight, there was a possibility for the federal team to respond more promptly and cut off the flow of additional labor assistance once the post-pandemic surge subsided and businesses no longer required it.
Canada Reduces Immigration Intake Amid Housing Crisis and Election Concerns
Canada’s upcoming immigration strategy aims to decrease the intake of permanent residents, with a target of 395,000 for 2025, representing a nearly 20% reduction from the anticipated 485,000 for this year. In parallel, temporary immigrants, such as international students and foreign workers, will experience cuts as well, with figures projected to decline to 446,000 per year by 2025 and 2026, and only 17,400 new non-permanent residents expected by 2027.
Canada dealt a significant blow to international students, especially those from India, by discontinuing the fast-track study visa program (SDS) this month. India, which is the leading country of origin for foreign students in Canada, currently has around 427,000 students enrolled. This marks a major policy change for Canada.
Trudeau presented the reductions as vital in tackling the housing crisis and affordability challenges in Canada. “Our aim is to manage population growth as housing supply meets demand, with a potential gradual rise in immigration rates in the future,” he explained.
Amidst the upcoming 2025 election, Trudeau’s Liberal administration is grappling with dwindling popularity as concerns surrounding immigration intensify. Critics are drawing connections between escalating immigration levels and the scarcity of affordable housing, as well as inflation.
In recent times, there has been an increase in doubts regarding Canada’s immigration policies, which were previously seen as a defining feature of the country’s inclusive nature. Concurrently, there has been a surge in anti-immigrant narratives and incidents.
Canada’s government projects that the decrease in immigration will result in a reduction of approximately 670,000 housing units in the country by 2027, potentially impacting the housing supply gap.
