Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, is defending the government’s decision to cut annual immigration targets, a shift in policy that will lower the intake of both temporary and permanent residents starting in 2025.
Announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister Miller, the revised targets mark a departure from post-pandemic efforts to address labour shortages and economic recovery through increased immigration.
According to Immigration News Canada (INC), the new targets have sparked debate among migrant rights advocates, business leaders, and economists, who argue that reducing immigration may harm vulnerable populations and exacerbate workforce shortages.
Miller defended the cuts in a CBC interview, explaining the government’s rationale and addressing concerns from advocacy groups and industry experts.
Government’s justification for reducing immigration
Minister Miller explained that the primary goal of reducing immigration targets is to ease pressures on housing and social services. “There has been a lot of positive feedback from ordinary Canadians,” Miller said, describing the cuts as a necessary adjustment to address challenges associated with rapid population growth.
While reaffirming the importance of immigration for Canada’s future, Miller argued that unrestricted migration is unsustainable. “Open borders and unlimited flow is absolutely not the solution,” he noted, emphasizing a “carefully managed” migration plan. “This isn’t about trying to win votes—it’s about responsible governance,” he added, underscoring the government’s intent to balance economic needs with social infrastructure limitations.
Opposition from migrant rights groups and business leaders
Despite these assurances, migrant rights groups have voiced strong opposition to the policy change, suggesting that the cuts unfairly target vulnerable communities.
Hussain, a representative of the Migrant Rights Network, argued that the decision is driven more by political motives than practical concerns. “One million people are at risk of being excluded from Canada just so the Prime Minister can boost his poll numbers,” Hussain remarked, viewing the policy shift as a tactic to influence public opinion.
INC reports that this backlash reflects broader concerns that reducing immigration could encourage anti-immigrant sentiment in Canada. Some activists argue that the government is using immigrants as scapegoats for broader issues, such as housing shortages and economic challenges.
Miller, however, rejected these criticisms, stating, “Racism is not behind this decision. Our goal is to protect the immigration consensus we’ve built in Canada and ensure sustainable migration.”
Economic implications of immigration cuts
Reports inform that economists have also raised concerns that lowering immigration could impact economic growth. Rebecca Young, an economist from Scotiabank, suggested that last year’s surge in immigration may have “overheated” the economy, while this reduction risks slowing it down. Economic immigration has historically been a key contributor to Canada’s economic stability, and reducing it may threaten ongoing recovery efforts.
Miller acknowledged these concerns, noting that immigration policy must balance economic demands with humanitarian objectives. “While we respect the viewpoints of economists, immigration is about more than numbers. It also involves family reunification, supporting humanitarian efforts, and maintaining the vibrancy of Francophone communities outside Quebec,” he said.
He also highlighted the long-term demographic challenges Canada faces, such as an aging population and a declining worker-to-retiree ratio, which requires a younger workforce to sustain social services.
Business leaders worry about workforce shortages
Business groups have expressed alarm that cutting immigration could exacerbate labour shortages, particularly with regard to temporary foreign workers. Some business leaders have questioned where companies will find the workers they need if immigration levels are reduced.
Miller responded by affirming that the government has considered these concerns and is actively engaging with stakeholders. “We have been listening to economists, business groups, and advocacy organizations,” he said, but stressed that immigration levels must remain “manageable” to prevent system overload and reduce abuses in temporary residence programs.
Moving forward
Miller emphasized that the decision is based on public feedback gathered over the past year, especially concerns about how rapid population growth affects housing. He also noted the importance of open dialogue with those who hold different views, including people with anti-immigration opinions.
“We need to engage with people who have different perspectives on immigration,” Miller said. “We can’t dismiss their concerns as racist, but we also can’t allow divisive rhetoric to take root.”
He reiterated that the government’s aim is to create a sustainable immigration system that aligns with Canada’s economic, humanitarian, and social goals.
