Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced plans to reduce immigration levels over the next three years to address rapid population growth in the country.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel on Sunday, November 17, Trudeau explained that Canada’s population has surged significantly in recent years, comparing it to a “baby boom.”
He cited concerns over exploitation by fraudulent actors, including fake colleges and large corporations, who have been taking advantage of the immigration system.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a push to increase the labor force, leading to a spike in immigration. Trudeau acknowledged that this strategy helped the economy recover by boosting workforce numbers, reopening businesses, and avoiding a predicted recession.
However, he noted that some institutions exploited the system for profit, especially targeting international students by charging them much higher fees compared to domestic students.
Trudeau criticized certain colleges and universities for using international students as a means to increase revenue. He highlighted the presence of “bad actors” who exploit vulnerable immigrants with false promises of jobs, diplomas, and easy paths to citizenship that never materialize.
To counter this, Trudeau stated that the government aims to “effectively pause population growth” for the next two years, with plans to gradually increase immigration at a sustainable pace starting in 2027.
With a historic rise in refugee claims, Trudeau also addressed concerns about temporary residents using the asylum system as a loophole to remain in Canada after their visas expire. He noted that these claims will be thoroughly reviewed, and if found to be invalid, the individuals will be sent back to their home countries.
