Canada announced a major shift in its immigration policy on Thursday, cutting down its targets to curb rapid population growth.
The move comes in response to increasing public concern over the country’s swelling population, which has recently surged to 41 million, driven largely by an influx of immigrants.
The government had initially set ambitious goals to admit 500,000 new permanent residents in 2025 and 2026. However, the revised targets now aim for 395,000 newcomers in 2024, dropping further to 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027.
READ ALSO: TikTok Star Jadrolita Reveals Jawline Tumor After Criticism for Content Hiatus
In a statement, Immigration Minister Marc Miller explained that while the economy benefits from newcomers, there’s a need to address the pressures on housing and other resources.
“We must adapt our policies accordingly,” Miller stated, emphasizing that the new targets aim to ensure “well-managed, sustainable growth in the long term.”
The shift follows a recent survey by the Environics Institute, which revealed that 58% of Canadians now believe the country accepts too many immigrants, a significant jump from previous years. With housing affordability as a growing concern, the immigration ministry’s decision reflects a response to public sentiment while balancing economic needs.
