Critics argue that the recent review of Canada’s permanent and temporary resident programs signals a departure from decades of a welcoming immigration stance. Yet, Canada remains unparalleled globally in its openness.
To frame Canada’s evolving immigration policy, I’d like to introduce myself first.
Hello! I’m the new Canada bureau chief for The New York Times. My family and I moved to Toronto in August from Brussels, where I covered the European Union. Over five years, I reported on significant events like the pandemic and the Ukraine invasion, focusing heavily on refugees and immigration.
In addition to immigration, I’m passionate about investigative journalism that holds power to account, covering government and corporate misconduct, as well as cultural stories.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced major changes to Canada’s immigration targets for the upcoming year, prompting immediate backlash. Business leaders criticized the 21% reduction in permanent resident admissions as harmful to the economy, while migrant advocates lamented a retreat from welcoming policies, warning it could jeopardize Canada’s reputation and put existing temporary residents at risk of becoming undocumented.
Since arriving, I’ve noticed a strong consensus in Canadian society supporting immigration. As Michael Haan, a sociologist at Western University, explained, “What we’re debating are the levels of immigration. We collectively believe we’re a frontier economy where growth—both economic and population—is essential.”
Canada’s unique societal backing for well-managed immigration sets it apart from other developed nations. While polls suggest a desire for reduced immigration levels, this doesn’t equate to anti-immigration sentiment. In contrast, many countries, including those in the EU, Britain, Australia, and the U.S., have seen a shift towards anti-immigrant views.
Though Trudeau’s changes seem significant, they may be temporary. While he laid out targets for the next three years, it’s uncertain if he’ll remain in office beyond 2025. The government documents highlight that these changes are not permanent, and the direction under a potential Conservative government remains unclear.
Canada is striving for the right immigration levels, a concept that feels new given my global experience with immigration systems. Canada’s geographic advantages—being relatively insulated from migrant crises—allow for a more open immigration stance. As Haan noted, “Our immigration levels are a grand experiment. No one knows what that magic number should be.”
The potential shift in influence from business, provinces, and colleges—key players in shaping immigration policy—might be one of the most significant changes. Trudeau has criticized these sectors for overstepping in bringing in workers and students, stating, “Everyone has a vested interest: Employers want a surplus of labor, and universities seek international students for higher fees.” This shift indicates a new approach, where the government plans to limit immigration to assess the impacts.
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