Canada to slash immigration numbers as Trudeau government faces pressure

Canada will sharply lower the number of immigrants it allows into the country for the first time in years, marking a notable shift in policy for the government as it tries to remain in power.

Canada is expected to axe its annual permanent-resident target to about 395,000 for next year, down 21 per cent from the earlier goal of half a million set last year, according to a government official who asked not to be identified to discuss matters not yet public.

The annual target will also be further decreased to roughly 380,000 for 2026 and 365,000 in 2027.

The new targets were first reported by The National Post.

Canada has long prided itself on welcoming newcomers, but in recent years, the national debate around immigrants has shifted in part due to rising housing prices.