The Liberal Government’s Mismanagement
For nearly a decade, the Liberal government has piloted Canada’s immigration system, resulting in an unprecedented decline. Within nine short years, they’ve managed to steer this essential mechanism into disarray.
The Potential of Responsible Immigration
Canada has historically thrived on responsible, orderly immigration, fostering a diverse and prosperous society. Skilled newcomers bolster the professional and business sectors, while industrious immigrants contribute to private sector growth and national innovation. Their enthusiastic adoption of Canadian life has expanded and enriched the nation.
Liberals’ Shortsighted Policies
The current administration’s policies have disregarded responsible immigration practices. They have aggressively increased intake numbers, sidelining the once-prized points system. Despite clear warnings about housing supply challenges, the Liberals have denied any issues. They repeatedly cite a vague labour shortage while youth and new arrivals struggle to secure employment.
Consequences of Mismanagement
In a baffling move, the government signals potential rewards for illegal entry and neglects to tighten migration controls, allowing criminals and terrorists easier entry. Citizenship revocation powers are diminished, and passport eligibility is extended to more generations born abroad.
Compounding these issues, millions are spent on wage subsidies and housing for newcomers despite rising homelessness and criminal sentence reductions specifically for immigrants. As Canada grows more crowded, GDP per capita declines steadily, met only with government denial.
Alarming Statistics
Since 2015, Canada’s population growth has surged under these managers, culminating in 1.3 million new entrants in 2023 alone according to Statistics Canada — 500,000 permanent immigrants and 800,000 non-permanent residents including temporary foreign workers and international students.
Economists link such 70-year population growth highs to this summer’s high youth unemployment rate. The Bank of Canada predicts falling GDP per capita along with declining consumer spending, poor housing availability, and hindered labour market integration.
Rising Concerns Over Immigration Policies
None of this has unfolded without public repercussions. According to Leger polling from July, 18 percent of Canadians now view immigration as a significant concern, up from eight percent last fall. A Research Co. survey conducted in June revealed that 44 percent of Canadians believe immigration is negatively impacting the country, with 46 percent advocating for a reduction in immigration volumes. Similarly, Abacus reported that two-thirds of Canadians consider the current intake levels too high.
The Liberal government has largely acknowledged these concerns only verbally. In April, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confessed that temporary immigration, including temporary foreign workers and international students, has surged at an unsustainable rate. He stated, “We want to get those numbers down.”
Critics argue that the government should have better managed these numbers from the outset. Economist Mike Moffatt highlighted in the Toronto Star how the government facilitated “arguably the largest deregulation of the Temporary Foreign Worker program in Canadian history” in 2022, allowing businesses access to significantly cheaper labour.
To mitigate public discontent, Liberal officials have hinted off-record at plans to reduce certain aspects of the temporary foreign worker program, though concrete details remain absent. Meanwhile, Minister Miller’s office has announced plans for a new pathway for individuals with limited education to obtain permanent residency.
