World Immigration News

Opinion | The most important difference between Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre on immigration has nothing to do with policy

Release Date: 2025-04-25
Media: TORONTO STAR
Summary: Immigration has largely faded from the spotlight in Canada’s 2024 federal election, but it remains a critical issue. While Canada’s immigration system has been praised internationally, it has long faced structural problems — such as skilled immigrants being underemployed and systemic barriers like credential recognition and the “Canadian experience” requirement.

Under Justin Trudeau, immigration levels rose sharply, with permanent resident targets doubling and temporary migration (international students and foreign workers) expanding even more. These increases strained Canada’s housing, healthcare, and job markets, leading to public dissatisfaction.

In response, the Liberal government has recently scaled back targets, pledging to cap permanent residents at 365,000 by 2027 and limit temporary residents to under 5% of the population. Liberal leader Mark Carney supports maintaining these limits, while still promoting family reunification, refugee protection, and improved credential recognition.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre takes a harder stance, blaming high immigration for Canada’s affordability crisis. He proposes returning to Harper-era levels (200,000–250,000 permanent residents), reducing temporary visas, and implementing stricter controls like background checks and union approvals.

Despite different rhetoric, both parties support reducing immigration. However, neither addresses core issues — like the education system’s reliance on international students or labor shortages filled by foreign workers. Many temporary residents, hoping for permanent status, are left in limbo, raising questions about future undocumented populations and potential mass deportations.

Ultimately, immigration reform must go beyond numbers. It requires broader societal investment in housing, public services, and decent work. Moreover, divisive rhetoric — such as Poilievre’s calls for deportations and cultural assimilation — risks fueling anti-immigrant sentiment. Canada must reaffirm its commitment to multiculturalism, inclusion, and fairness to sustain public support for immigration in the long term.
Tags: CANADA