Canadians head to the polls for a pivotal general election. Immigration, especially regarding international students and foreign workers, is a central issue in this election. The contest is between the Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, and the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre. The outcome will have significant implications for Canada’s immigration policies and the future of international students and foreign workers in the country.
Canada’s Immigration Plans and Their Impact on International Students and Foreign Workers
Canada’s immigration policies are critical in shaping the future of international students and foreign workers. In October 2024, the federal government released its Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027, which sets immigration targets for the next few years. This plan includes specific targets for temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party have expressed concerns about the current immigration system, which they argue needs reform. Carney has emphasized that the immigration cap will remain in place until housing expansion can address the increasing demand. He has also stated that the government plans to maintain annual permanent resident (PR) admissions below 1% of Canada’s population.
In 2025, the government has set a PR target of 395,000, which is just under 1% of Canada’s population of 41.5 million. This suggests that under Carney’s leadership, Canada’s immigration system will continue with a similar approach to previous years, focusing on carefully controlled immigration levels.
The Conservative Party’s Stance on Immigration
Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party have taken a starkly different approach. Poilievre has criticized the Liberal government’s handling of immigration, arguing that the current system has led to backlogs, delays, and mismanagement. According to the Conservative Party’s manifesto, the current immigration strategy has caused undue hardship for many immigrants, including delayed applications and separated families.
The Conservatives propose a comprehensive plan to overhaul Canada’s immigration system. Their platform focuses on reducing the number of temporary foreign workers and international students in the country, arguing that the current surge in immigration is straining Canada’s housing, healthcare, and job markets. They believe that immigration levels should be adjusted to ensure the needs of Canadian citizens are met while still welcoming newcomers.
The Housing Crisis and Its Impact on Immigration Policies
A key issue at the heart of the Conservative Party’s immigration policy is Canada’s ongoing housing crisis. Rising home prices and rental costs in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have made housing increasingly unaffordable for many Canadians. The influx of temporary foreign workers and international students has added pressure to an already strained housing market, leading to concerns about rising rents and housing shortages.
The Conservative Party argues that the Liberal government’s immigration policies have exacerbated these problems by allowing too many temporary workers and students into the country without considering the capacity of Canadian infrastructure. The Conservatives believe that reducing the number of temporary foreign workers and international students will help alleviate some of these pressures and create more opportunities for Canadian citizens.
Conservative Plan to Address Immigration Challenges
The Conservative Party’s immigration platform focuses on ensuring that the immigration system benefits both newcomers and Canadians. Their strategy includes measures to tackle fraud and abuse, including stricter criminal background checks for international students and foreign workers. The Conservatives also propose swift removal of foreign nationals who overstay their visitor visas or engage in criminal activities.
Despite these promises, the Conservative Party’s approach could pose challenges for international students and foreign workers. The proposed cuts to immigration levels, especially for temporary workers and students, could make it more difficult for these groups to come to Canada or stay in the country long term.
International Students and Foreign Workers Are Watching the Election Closely
For international students and foreign workers, the 2025 Canadian election will have significant consequences. The outcome will determine whether Canada continues its relatively open approach to immigration under the Liberal Party or adopts a more restrictive policy under the Conservatives.
As the election results unfold, many international students are watching closely, hoping for policies that will allow them to study, work, and settle in Canada. The future of Canada’s immigration system will have long-lasting impacts on the global community that looks to Canada for opportunity and security.
