In response to population growth, Canada has decided to scale back its previous open immigration policy by reducing the number of permanent residents allowed into the country.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government announced plans to lower the intake of newcomers as public sentiment on immigration evolves.
Reports indicate that this adjustment will lead to a 20% decrease in immigration to Canada.
In the latest immigration plan presented by Immigration Minister Marc Miller on Thursday, Canada is projected to welcome approximately 395,000 permanent residents in 2025, a nearly 20% drop from the anticipated 485,000 for this year. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The strategy also outlines a goal for temporary immigrants, such as international students and foreign workers, with their numbers projected to decrease to approximately 446,000 in 2025 and 2026, a significant drop from the current figure of about 800,000. By 2027, Canada plans to only accept 17,400 new non-permanent residents.
These changes are anticipated to result in a projected decrease in population of 0.2% over the next two years, moving away from the strong population growth of 3% seen in the second quarter of this year.
If the government achieves its objectives, it would represent the first time in Canada’s history that the population has declined since the 1950s.
During a press conference, Trudeau described the strategy as a ‘pause’ in population growth, aimed at providing time for various levels of government to enhance healthcare, housing, and social services to meet the needs of future populations.
