Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the Canadian government has regained control over immigration, aiming to reduce the number of temporary residents from approximately seven percent to five percent of the population by the end of 2026. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address housing shortages and alleviate pressure on public services. Carney emphasized that the upcoming federal budget will include a new immigration plan to better serve newcomers and the general public.
In October 2025, Carney pledged to include Canada's new immigration plan in the federal budget, focusing on aligning immigration levels with the country's capacity to welcome newcomers. He highlighted a significant decrease in asylum claims and a reduction in temporary foreign workers as evidence of the government's commitment to managing immigration effectively.
The government's approach has faced criticism from some economists and political commentators. Concerns have been raised about the potential undercounting of temporary migrants and the impact of reduced immigration on Canada's economy and labor market.
Looking ahead, the government plans to implement the new immigration plan in the upcoming federal budget. The effectiveness of this strategy will depend on its ability to balance the needs of newcomers with the capacity of Canadian communities to integrate them successfully.