Canada PM Justin Trudeau announces cut in immigration intake: ‘This is temporary’

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday announced that his government will “significantly reduce” the number of immigrants coming to the country for the next two years. Taking to X, Trudeau said that the decision was ‘temporary’ and to pause Canada’s population growth.

“We’re going to significantly reduce the number of immigrants coming to Canada for the next two years. This is temporary — to pause our population growth and let our economy catch up. We have to get the system working right for all Canadians,” the Prime Minister said in a post.

Canada will bring in 3,95,000 new permanent residents in 2025, 3,80,000 in 2026 and 3,65,000 in 2027, down from 4,85,000 in 2024, news agency Reuters quoted a source from the Trudeau government as saying. The number of temporary residents, meanwhile, will decrease by about 30,000 to around 300,000 in 2025, the source added.

The recent announcement comes days after Trudeau limited the number of study permits for international students in Canada.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister had said his government would grant 35 per cent fewer international student permits this year, and the number would be reduced by an additional 10 per cent in 2025.

Trudeau has said that his government would allow 35 per cent fewer international student permits in 2024, and issued a stern warning to “bad actors” if they “abuse the immigration system and take advantage of students”.

Canada has long embraced immigration as a strategy to fuel economic growth, but in recent years, the Trudeau government has come under increasing pressure from Canadians as rising housing prices has raised concerns over the influx of foreigners into the country.

In recent months, Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party has witnessed a significant decline in public opinion polls, as mounting pressure grows over the government’s handling of immigration. The unchecked migration, many say, is placing increasing strain on Canada’s housing market and social services.

Polls now indicate that Trudeau’s chances of retaining power are slim, with opposition leader Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party gaining momentum.

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