Canada to slash PR numbers as public support drops

Permanent resident numbers to be cut by over 100,000 amid rising concerns. A poll showed that 58 pc of Canadians are now opposed to immigration

3 min readChandigarhOct 24, 2024 08:27 AM IST

Ottawa is preparing to announce a significant reduction in the number of permanent residents it plans to admit, a sharp departure from its previous immigration policies as public support for higher immigration levels continues to decline. According to The Globe and Mail, the number of permanent residents will drop from 485,000 this year to 395,000 in 2025, with further cuts to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027, based on information from a senior government source.

This policy shift comes amid growing concerns about the impact of immigration on housing affordability, and follows a freeze in immigration targets by Immigration Minister Marc Miller last year. The cuts being introduced go beyond previous measures, which held the number of permanent residents steady at half a million. For the first time, the government will also introduce targets for temporary residents, including international students and workers, aiming to reduce their proportion of the population from 6.5 per cent to 5 per cent over the next three years. Temporary residents currently make up 7.3 per cent of the population.

Public opinion on immigration has shifted sharply, with a recent poll showing that 58 per cent of Canadians now believe immigration levels are too high, up 14 percentage points from the previous year, according to research from the Environics Institute. Syed Hussan of the Migrants Rights Network criticised the reductions, calling them an attempt to appease xenophobic concerns about migrants and their perceived role in the housing crisis. He also warned against cuts to refugee admissions, saying it would undermine Canada’s commitments under the Geneva Convention.

Canada’s population now stands at 41.7 million, and some argue that reducing immigration could hurt sectors like healthcare and construction. Lisa Lalande, CEO of the Century Initiative, told The Globe and Mail that maintaining high immigration levels is crucial for addressing labour shortages and supporting economic growth, given Canada’s aging population and low fertility rates. She called the proposed reductions a “categorical mistake.”

Others in the business community, like Diana Palmerin-Velasco of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, echoed these concerns, urging the government to maintain a strong focus on economic-class immigration to meet labour market needs. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also criticised the government’s approach, accusing the Prime Minister of inconsistency on immigration policy.

Manraj Grewal Sharma

Manraj Grewal Sharma is a senior journalist and the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Chandigarh, where she leads the newspaper’s coverage of north India’s most politically and institutionally significant regions. From Punjab and Haryana to Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, she oversees reporting at the intersection of governance, law, politics and society. She also reports on the diaspora, especially in Canada and the US. With a career spanning journalism across several countries, academia and international development, Manraj brings a rare depth of perspective to regional reporting. She is widely regarded as a leading chronicler of Punjab’s contemporary history and socio-political evolution, particularly its long shadow of militancy, federal tensions and identity politics. Her book, Dreams after Darkness, remains a definitive account of the militancy years and their enduring aftermath. Professional Background & Expertise A gold medalist in mass communication and a post-graduate in English literature, Manraj has a multifaceted career spanning journalism, academia, and international development. She was also awarded a fellowship by National Foundation of India and did several in-depth pieces on Manipur. Internationally, she has reported from Israel, US, UK, Myanmar, and Mauritius Her key focus areas include: Regional Politics, History, Agriculture, Diaspora, and Security. Of late, she has started focusing on Legal & Judicial Affairs: Much of her recent work involves reporting on high-stakes cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, ranging from environmental policy to civil rights. International Consulting: She previously served as a consulting editor for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network and a publishing consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. Academia: For five years, she was the managing editor of Gender, Technology and Development, a peer-reviewed international journal at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage focuses heavily on judicial interventions and regional governance: 1. Environment & Governance "‘NGT can’t test legality of policy’: HC hears challenge to Punjab’s ‘Green Habitat’ plan" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering a critical legal battle over whether the National Green Tribunal has the authority to strike down a state policy regularizing farmhouses on delisted forest land. "High court pulls up Punjab poll panel over audio clip probe" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on judicial concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of local body elections. 2. Legal Rights & Social Welfare "HC issues notice to Punjab, Haryana over delay in building old age homes" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on a contempt petition against top officials for failing to establish government-run homes for the elderly as promised in 2019. "Victims can appeal acquittals in sessions court without seeking special leave" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant procedural shift in criminal law following a Supreme Court ruling. "HC upholds benefits for Punjab FCI officer acquitted in 20-year-old bribery case" (Dec 19, 2025): A report on the concept of "honourable acquittal" and its impact on employee benefits. 3. Human Rights & Identity "As Punjab denies parole to MP Amritpal Singh, HC asks it to submit ‘foundational material’" (Dec 1, 2025): Covering the legal proceedings regarding the radical preacher and sitting MP's request to attend Parliament. "Protecting life paramount: HC backs Muslim woman in live-in after verbal divorce" (Nov 6, 2025): Analyzing judicial protections for personal liberty in the context of traditional practices. Signature Beats Manraj is recognized for her ability to decode complex judicial rulings and relate them to the everyday lives of citizens. Whether it is a 30-year-old land battle in Fazilka or the political implications of Kangana Ranaut’s candidacy in Mandi, her writing provides deep historical and regional context. Contact @grewal_sharma on X manrajgrewalsharma on Instagram ... Read More

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