Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is advocating for stricter immigration policies, proposing “very hard caps” on the number of newcomers entering Canada. Poilievre expressed concerns about the challenges of integrating newcomers and emphasized the importance of more individuals leaving the country than arriving to balance the demographic landscape.
Highlighting his dissatisfaction with the previous Liberal government’s management of immigration, Poilievre pledged in the last election to address what he described as a “flawed” system. He now goes further by urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to pursue negative net migration to regulate the influx of immigrants.
With a focus on social media and public statements, Poilievre has emphasized the need for controlled immigration levels that align with Canada’s capacity for integration. He criticized the recent surge in immigration rates post-COVID, citing division and integration challenges within the country.
Acknowledging the growth spurred by non-permanent residents, particularly international students and low-wage foreign workers, Poilievre underscored the strain on housing, employment, and healthcare services. He commended the reduction in temporary foreign workers and students by the previous government, noting a recent stabilization in population growth rates.
Carney’s commitment to maintaining restrictions on non-permanent residents, limiting them to five percent of the total population by 2027, aligns with efforts to manage demographic pressures. Poilievre advocated for even more substantial reductions, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing Canada’s interests in immigration policy.
Overall, Poilievre called for a strategic immigration approach that prioritizes the well-being of Canadians and ensures sustainable migration levels.