Justin Trudeau Acknowledges Mistakes in Canada’s Immigration Policy, Announces Significant Changes

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged shortcomings in his government’s immigration policy, admitting that the system has been exploited by “bad actors” such as fake colleges and large corporations. This admission comes as Trudeau announced a significant reduction in the number of immigrants Canada will accept over the next three years.

In a recent address, Trudeau explained that Canada’s rapid population growth over the past two years, while beneficial for the economy, has also led to exploitation. He highlighted that the government could have acted more swiftly to address these issues and is now taking steps to stabilize the immigration system. The new plan includes a 20% decrease in permanent residents admitted in 2025, from approximately 495,000 to 395,000, and a reduction in temporary immigrants, including international students and foreign workers, from 800,000 this year to around 446,000 in 2025 and 2026.

The government’s new immigration strategy prioritizes permanent residents with skills in healthcare and construction, aiming to balance economic growth with community needs such as addressing housing shortages and cost-of-living issues. Additionally, the popular fast-track study visa program, SDS, has been ended, which may impact international students, particularly those from India.

Trudeau’s announcements come amid criticism of his government’s management of various national issues, including housing shortages, inflation, and health and transport systems. The opposition has accused the government of not prioritizing the needs of Canadian citizens.

In addition to his domestic focus, Trudeau has been engaged in international diplomacy. Recently, he met with President Joe Biden of the United States and President Giorgia Meloni of Italy on the margins of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These meetings emphasized the importance of bilateral and multilateral cooperation on issues such as climate change, migration, and economic security.

Trudeau also met with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, discussing the strong bilateral relations between Canada and Mexico and the mutually beneficial effects of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The leaders committed to working closely to strengthen North American competitiveness and prosperity.