Ottawa: Just two years ago, Canada threw open its doors to immigrants - the annual immigration plan announced on Nov 2, 2022, aimed to usher in 14,50,000 permanent residents over a three year period (2023-2025).
However, in an announcement, Canada is pulling its welcome mat away from newcomers. The country said it aims to invite only 11,40,000 permanent residents over three years starting from 2025, a comparative drop of 21%.
Setting the tone for the drop in the immigration level targets, Canada’s PM Justin Trudeau said: “Our immigration system has always been responsible and it has always been flexible. So, we are acting today because in the tumultuous times as we emerged from the pandemic, between addressing labour needs and maintaining population growth, we didn’t get the balance right. With the plan we’re announcing today, along with previously announced measures, we’re making sure our immigration system works better.”
With the elections forthcoming, protecting the interests of Canadians was at the forefront of the message sent both by Trudeau and immigration minister Marc Miller. “Too far, too many corporations have chosen to abuse our temporary measures, employing and exploiting foreign workers while refusing to hire Canadians for a fair wage, all while under the watch of provinces,” the PM said.
