The Government of Canada, under the leadership of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has introduced the Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026. This comprehensive plan aims to address critical labour shortages, support economic growth, and ensure sustainable population growth while balancing the pressures in areas like housing, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Key highlights of the plan include maintaining a target of 485,000 permanent residents for 2024 and reaching 500,000 in 2025. From 2026 onwards, permanent resident levels will stabilize at 500,000 to allow for successful integration while bolstering Canada’s labour market. Additionally, measures will be taken to recalibrate temporary resident admissions to ensure the sustainability of the immigration system.
The plan emphasizes a continued focus on economic growth, with over 60% of permanent resident admissions dedicated to the economic class by 2025. It also upholds Canada’s humanitarian tradition by responding to humanitarian and geopolitical crises worldwide. Furthermore, ambitious targets for Francophone immigration are set to strengthen Francophone communities outside of Quebec and ensure the economic prosperity of Francophone minority communities across Canada.
In addition to addressing immigration targets, the plan considers the progress made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in implementing new digital systems and improving client services, which have enhanced processing capacity and reduced application backlogs.
Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of striking the appropriate balance between growing Canada’s economy and maintaining its humanitarian tradition. He highlighted the collaborative approach taken with provinces, territories, employers, stakeholders, and Indigenous peoples to ensure that newcomers are supported in their new lives.
Through the Immigration Levels Plan, Canada reaffirms its commitment to helping families stay together, attracting skilled talent to support business growth, and upholding its humanitarian values. The country continues to benefit from the strength and diversity that newcomers bring to its communities.