As Canada approaches the 2025 federal election, immigration policy has become a central issue, with both the Liberal and Conservative parties presenting distinct visions for the country’s future. This article delves into their proposed policies, the current immigration landscape, and how ICC Immigration can assist individuals navigating these changes.

Immigration Targets: Stabilization vs. Reduction

Liberal Party
Under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Liberal government initially aimed to admit 500,000 new permanent residents annually. However, facing criticism over housing shortages and strained public services, the government revised its targets to 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. Trudeau acknowledged the need for controlled, sustainable immigration to allow proper adjustments in healthcare, housing, and social services.

Conservative Party
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre proposes tying immigration levels to housing availability, aiming to limit permanent immigration to sustainable rates similar to those under the Harper government. During Harper’s tenure (2006-2015), annual permanent resident admissions ranged between 247,000 and 281,000. Poilievre emphasizes aligning population growth with housing, job availability, and healthcare accessibility.

Temporary Foreign Workers and International Students: Managing Numbers

Liberal Party
The Liberals plan to cap the total number of temporary workers and international students to less than 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2027. As of January 1, 2025, temporary residents comprised 7.27% of the population. Measures include reducing temporary resident levels, implementing a cap on study permit applications, and restricting eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits and spousal open work permits.

Conservative Party
The Conservatives aim to “restore integrity” to the system by cracking down on fraud and significantly reducing the number of temporary foreign workers and international students. They propose requiring union Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) pre-checks and mandatory criminal background checks for study permit applicants. Poilievre advocates for foreign workers only in rare circumstances where there are insufficient Canadians to fill jobs.

Economic Immigration: Streamlining and Credential Recognition

Liberal Party
The Liberals intend to revitalize the Global Skills Strategy to attract high-skilled workers, particularly from the U.S., and collaborate with provinces and territories to streamline the recognition of foreign credentials and international professional experience.

Conservative Party
While the Conservative platform does not explicitly mention economic immigration, Poilievre has discussed creating a national licensing standard for the healthcare sector, allowing immigrant doctors and nurses to obtain a “blue seal” certification to work across provinces.

Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Differing Approaches

Liberal Party
The Liberals plan to provide legal aid for asylum seekers and refugees, ensuring timely advice and representation. They emphasize collaboration with the U.S. to manage cross-border asylum claims effectively.

Conservative Party
Poilievre expresses skepticism toward refugee and asylum claims, suggesting many are fraudulent. The Conservative platform proposes processing refugee claims on a “last-in, first-out” basis and implementing departure tracking to monitor foreign nationals overstaying their immigration status.

Border Security and General Safety: Enforcement and Oversight

Liberal Party
The Liberals aim to enhance resources for security screenings, identify and remove inadmissible individuals promptly, tighten visa requirements, and increase enforcement against immigration fraud.

Conservative Party
The Conservatives propose deploying Canadian forces to the border, adding military helicopters and surveillance, increasing border agents, and extending the Canada Border Services Agency’s powers along the entire border. They also plan to expedite the removal of foreign nationals committing crimes while visiting Canada.

Francophone Immigration: Promoting French Language and Culture

Liberal Party
The Liberals set a target for francophone immigration outside Quebec at 12% by 2029, up from 8.5% in 2025. This initiative aims to bolster the French language and culture across Canada.

Conservative Party
While supportive of increasing francophone immigration and preserving the French language, the Conservative platform does not specify numerical targets.

Public Sentiment and Policy Shifts

Recent reports indicate a growing anti-immigrant sentiment in Canada, with rising hate crimes against visible minorities and international students. This backlash is partly attributed to perceptions that immigrants are responsible for economic issues like the housing crisis and high cost of living. In response, the Liberal government has enacted measures to control immigration, including cutting 35% of student permits and imposing visas on Mexican travelers.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

Navigating Canada’s evolving immigration landscape can be challenging. ICC Immigration is dedicated to guiding individuals through the most effective pathways to secure their long-term future in Canada. Our team of immigration experts thoroughly assesses each case to recommend the best Permanent Residency (PR) options, ensuring applicants avoid the uncertainty and risks associated with asylum claims.

We offer a range of services, including:

• Permanent Residency Applications: Assistance with Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other immigration pathways for efficient and hassle-free processing.
  
• Work Permits and Study Permits: Guidance on temporary work and study options, creating a pathway toward Permanent Residency.
  
• Family Sponsorships: Facilitating the family reunification process to make PR applications smoother.
  
• Expert Legal Guidance: Ensuring compliance with Canadian immigration policies to maximize your chances of success.
  

Rather than opting for the unpredictable asylum route, take a strategic and secure approach to Canadian immigration. ICC Immigration provides expert guidance to help you confidently navigate the process, whether you are already in Canada or planning your move.