In a recent interview with CTV News, Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, hinted at significant changes to the country’s immigration levels in the upcoming Immigration Levels Plan. The minister emphasized that any adjustments will be more than just superficial, describing the potential changes as “significant” and suggesting that “all options are on the table” as the government reconsiders the types of immigration it will prioritize.
One area of focus for the minister was economic immigration, which currently accounts for 60% of Canada’s immigration intake—a proportion that Miller described as “unprecedented” when compared to similar countries. However, he warned against making hasty decisions, stressing that the government would avoid “overcorrecting” while ensuring thoughtful adjustments are made to protect the Canadian economy, which benefited from immigration during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Immigration Levels Plan is an annual publication from the federal immigration department that outlines the number of new permanent residents Canada aims to welcome. This plan sets the tone for the coming year and the next two years, guiding immigration targets and departmental operations.
Miller’s remarks come as public sentiment toward immigration has declined in recent years, largely due to concerns over housing affordability and increased pressure on infrastructure. In response, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has already introduced policies aimed at managing temporary resident numbers, including limiting the issuance of study permits and capping low-wage temporary foreign workers in regions with high unemployment rates.
The minister confirmed that more adjustments, particularly within the International Student Program, are on the way, with announcements expected in the fall. This aligns with comments from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has also emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to immigration while ensuring successful integration pathways for newcomers.
As of 2023, the government has frozen permanent resident immigration levels for 2025 and 2026 at 500,000 per year, although these targets may be revised to reflect Canada’s changing needs. With immigration being the primary driver of labor market growth in Canada, and an aging population set to exit the workforce in significant numbers, the role of immigrants in sustaining essential services like healthcare and education remains critical.
The upcoming Immigration Levels Plan will provide further clarity on how Canada plans to balance these competing priorities while maintaining its global reputation as a welcoming destination for immigrants.