Justin Trudeau acknowledges 'Mistakes' on immigration, announces major overhaul

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has admitted that his government's immigration policies have been exploited by "bad actors" such as fraudulent colleges and large corporations, prompting a significant shift in strategy. Trudeau's announcement comes as his popularity declines ahead of next year's General Elections in Canada.

In a recent video message, Trudeau explained that while Canada's population has surged over the past two years, this rapid growth has led to exploitation within the immigration system. "In the last two years, our population has grown really fast, like a baby boom... Increasingly, bad actors like fake colleges and big chain corporations have been exploiting our immigration system for their own interests," he said.

Facing criticism from Canadians for poor management, housing shortages, inflation, and strained health and transport systems, Trudeau acknowledged the need for change. "We made some mistakes, and that's why we are taking this big turn," he stated.

To address these issues, Trudeau announced plans to reduce the number of immigrants entering Canada over the next three years. Immigration Minister Marc Miller outlined the government's plan, which includes admitting approximately 395,000 permanent residents in 2025—a 20% decrease from the previous year. Additionally, the number of temporary immigrants, including international students and foreign workers, will be reduced to around 446,000 in 2025 and 2026, down from 800,000 this year.

Canada's new immigration plan will prioritize permanent residents with skills in healthcare and construction. Trudeau emphasized that the goal is to stabilize population growth while addressing housing shortages and cost-of-living issues. "Canada's immigration plan is very straightforward—lower the number of immigrants, both permanent and temporary," he said.

The government has also ended the popular fast-track study visa program, the SDS, which could significantly impact international students, particularly those from India, who make up the largest group of foreign students in Canada.

The overhaul of the immigration system aims to prevent exploitation by fake colleges and corporations. Trudeau admitted that focusing primarily on permanent immigration had led to the neglect of temporary immigration pathways. The government now seeks to balance economic growth with community needs.