Photo credit: NDTV
Canada will lower the number of permanent immigrants it allows into the country by at least 20 per cent from its previous target of 500,000.
CTV News reports that the decision comes as many Canadians face housing and affortability concerns. The federal government has haced continous presurre to address the number of temporary and permanent residents coming to Canada.
The Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave hints of a possible reduction in permanent levels during a Liberal Party retreat in Halifax last August.
“We’re looking at the various streams to make sure that as we move forward, Canada remains a place that is positive in its support for immigration, but also responsible in the way we integrate and make sure there’s pathways to success for everyone who comes to Canada,” he said.
The federal government also announced stricter rules to reduce low-wage stream of temporary foreign workers in the same week.
The federal government announced in Novenber 2023 it would maintain its target of 485,000 permanent residents for 2024, increase it to 500,000 in 2025 and lock in at the half-million mark in 2026. It said stabilizing immigration levels would “allow time for successful integration, while continuing to augment Canada’s labour market.”
