Critics of the current approach argue that relying on immigration to mask the symptoms of a low birth rate is a short-sighted strategy that ignores the underlying quality-of-life issues. By prioritizing rapid population growth, the government has inadvertently exacerbated the housing crisis and strained public infrastructure, such as transit and healthcare, which were not prepared for such a rapid increase in demand.
This perspective emphasizes that the government's focus on immigration has come at the expense of young Canadians who are struggling to afford a home or start a family. When the cost of living rises faster than wages, the natural result is a decline in fertility. Instead of importing labor to fill gaps, the state should be investing in the economic conditions that would allow its own citizens to feel secure enough to have children. This includes aggressive housing reform and better support for young families.
There is also a concern regarding the social contract. If the public perceives that immigration is being used to suppress wages or drive up housing costs, it risks eroding the broad social consensus that has historically supported Canada's open immigration system. A sustainable demographic policy must prioritize the well-being of existing residents, ensuring that the infrastructure and social services can actually support the population growth being pursued.
Moving forward, the focus should shift toward a more balanced approach that treats domestic fertility and immigration as two sides of the same coin. Without addressing the structural barriers to family formation, the country risks creating a society that is perpetually dependent on external arrivals to function, rather than one that is self-sustaining. True economic health requires a foundation where young people can afford to build their lives at home.