PM Carney Sets New Course for Immigration in Canada
In a newly issued directive to his cabinet, Prime Minister Mark Carney has reaffirmed his government’s dual approach to immigration: maintaining a sustainable intake of newcomers while actively targeting global talent to power Canada’s economic growth.
Carney’s Immigration Vision: Sustainability + Skilled Talent
Outlined in a broad mandate letter sent to all ministers, Carney positioned immigration reform as one of the top seven national priorities. The letter focused on two strategic objectives:
- Capping immigration at manageable levels
- Drawing the world’s brightest professionals to Canada
This high-level directive is set to shape Canada’s immigration policy for the foreseeable future, balancing demographic growth with economic capacity.
Slowing Down Permanent Resident Admissions
A central feature of Carney’s message was the need to rein in immigration growth. During his election campaign, Carney acknowledged that the previous administration’s policies had pushed immigration to unsustainable highs, straining housing availability, healthcare access, and infrastructure.
To address this, the Liberal government is sticking with a previously announced policy: keeping annual permanent resident admissions below 1% of Canada’s population post-2027.
Under the current plan:
- 2025: 395,000 new permanent residents
- 2026: 380,000
- 2027: 365,000
This is already under the 1% threshold for a population projected to reach 41.5 million in 2025.
Supercharging Talent Attraction Through the Global Skills Strategy
While overall numbers are being reduced, Canada still wants to attract top-tier international talent, especially in key economic sectors.
Carney’s mandate supports expanding the Global Skills Strategy (GSS) — a fast-track federal work permit program — to help Canadian companies bring in highly skilled foreign professionals in as little as two weeks.
The government is also focused on:
- Supporting high-growth companies and start-ups in recruiting global talent
- Attracting skilled workers from the U.S.
- Speeding up the recognition of foreign credentials and international experience
These moves aim to close labour gaps, particularly in areas like tech, health care, and green energy, while helping immigrants integrate faster into the Canadian workforce.
Continuity with Recent Policy Shifts
These policy directions follow in the footsteps of former Immigration Minister Marc Miller, who began reducing immigration targets late in Justin Trudeau’s tenure in response to growing affordability and housing challenges.
Carney’s latest directive indicates that the new administration will maintain this course, with measured immigration levels and strategic workforce development at its core.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
