2024 consultations on immigration levels – final report

Contents

Overview and context

Every year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) engages with a broad range of stakeholders and partners from across the country to inform the development of its Immigration Levels Plan. This multi-year plan traditionally included a projection of how many permanent residents would be admitted to Canada in a given year, and set targets for overall admissions per immigration category.

In 2024, the scope of the Immigration Levels Plan was expanded to include temporary resident arrivals in an effort to better align our immigration system with the needs of the country. Earlier this year, IRCC also announced a commitment to decrease the number of temporary residents to 5% of the overall population by 2026.

The Immigration Levels Plan

On or before November 1 of each year, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship is required to table in each House of Parliament an annual report on the operation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). The Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration is a legally required document that provides an overview of Canada’s immigration system and policies, along with details of the previous year’s immigration activities.

The Immigration Levels Plan is a key component of this report. It details how many immigrants Canada will welcome, setting out firm targets and ranges for the first year, and notional targets for the second and third years.

When deciding on future “levels” of admissions or arrivals, a number of considerations are taken into account, including:

The Immigration Levels Plan is designed to support a well-managed immigration system that maintains public confidence, fosters economic growth, supports diversity, and helps build vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive communities, while ensuring the safety and security of Canadians.

How your views informed this year’s plan

For the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan and aligned with our commitment to adopt a more whole-of-society approach to immigration planning, IRCC continued to seek a variety of perspectives on the balance between different categories and programs, how immigration can support the vitality of communities in all parts of the country, and Canada’s response to humanitarian crises. The department was also interested to hear from stakeholders and partners on the inclusion of temporary residents in the Immigration Levels Plan, including the proposed decrease in volumes.

To gather this feedback, IRCC conducted a series of engagement activities over several months. An online consultation survey was shared with thousands of stakeholders and partners from across the country who work in areas with important ties to immigration, and an invitation was also extended for them to attend virtual regional town hall conversations. Moreover, the department sought additional input from a number of key stakeholders and partners, including urban planners, municipalities that are directly involved in welcoming newcomers, economists from Canada’s banks, as well as thought leaders from multiple areas of expertise.

IRCC also engaged with provinces and territories. This partnership is a requirement of the IRPA, guided by a jointly developed consultation framework, and includes ongoing collaboration through a dedicated working group from the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI).

The findings summarized in this report only reflect the views of those who participated in this engagement process through the online survey, the regional town hall conversations or the roundtables. IRCC’s engagement with provinces and territories, as well as analysis of public opinion research, labour market information and immigrant outcomes are not part of this report. Results should not be interpreted as being representative of the entire Canadian population, specific regions, or of all IRCC stakeholders and partners. Furthermore, percentages have been rounded to whole numbers, and as a result, totals may not add up to 100.

How we engaged with Canadians

Online survey

From May 9 to June 30, 2024, a total of 6,772 stakeholder and partner organizations were invited by email to participate in an online survey (see Annex A for the online survey). This number represents a significant rise from the 4,780 stakeholder and partner organizations invited in 2023, underscoring the department’s ongoing efforts to promote a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to immigration levels planning, and foster an inclusive dialogue with a plurality of voices from across the country.

A dedicated website page was created with a publicly available link to the survey, including background information on immigration levels planning to facilitate participation in the engagement process. IRCC received a total of 997 completed surveys from stakeholders and partners. IRCC also received 3,626 individual responses from the public version of the survey. Generally, there is alignment between feedback provided by stakeholders and partners and the general public.

Most respondents prioritize economic needs for immigration, with mixed opinions on 2025 and 2026 targets from last year’s Immigration Levels Plan. Housing, health care and employment support are the top investment priorities for welcoming more immigrants, with a focus on improving services and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Most respondents feel economic immigration programs do not fully meet current labour needs, citing foreign credential recognition and skill mismatches as key issues. Stakeholders and partners are split on the proposed reduction target of 5% for temporary residents, with no clear consensus on whether it’s too high or too low.

Key findings shared below focus on input from stakeholders and partners. Survey respondents included non-profit organizations, settlement and resettlement organizations, academic and educational institutions, employers and businesses, chambers of commerce, Francophone and official language minority community organizations, as well as industry and sector councils (see Annex B for the full list of participating organizations).

To gather views from the public, IRCC also regularly conducts public opinion research through surveys and focus groups concerning immigration levels and other topics related to immigration. Public opinion research is conducted with various audiences, including the general population, newcomers, Canadians living in rural areas, Francophones living in communities outside of Québec, as well as Indigenous Peoples. This feedback also helps inform our immigration policies, programs and services.

Survey response distribution

Region of operation
  Number of responses % of total respondents
Across CanadaFootnote 1 118 12%
Alberta 113 11%
British Columbia 220 22%
Manitoba 74 7%
New Brunswick 57 6%
Newfoundland and Labrador 27 3%
Northwest Territories 12 1%
Nova Scotia 70 7%
Nunavut 7 1%
Ontario 369 37%
Prince Edward Island 37 4%
QuébecFootnote 2 48 5%
Saskatchewan 59 6%
Yukon 19 2%
Outside of Canada 52 5%
Prefer not to say 2 0%
Organization type
Primary focus of organizationFootnote 3 Number of responses % of total respondents
2SLGBTQI+ organization 18 1.8%
Academia, research foundation or institution, or think tank 120 12.0%
Advocacy group 51 5.1%
Arts and culture organization (archives, art gallery or museum, cinema, concert venue, library, performing arts venue, theatre or dance company, etc.) 17 1.7%
Business 152 15.2%
Chamber of commerce or board of trade 9 0.9%
Diversity, equity and inclusion organization 65 6.5%
Economic development organization 34 3.4%
Educational organization (primary or secondary school, post-secondary institution, designated learning institution, student association, school board, etc.) 308 30.9%
Faith-based organization 27 2.7%
Francophone or official language minority community organization 25 2.5%
Government – Arm’s-length agency/Crown corporation 5 0.5%
Government – Federal 5 0.5%
Government – Municipal or regional administration 25 2.5%
Government – Provincial or territorial 16 1.6%
Health care organization or other care service 43 4.3%
Immigration consulting 41 4.1%
Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) organization 11 1.1%
Industry or sector council 25 2.5%
International organization 16 1.6%
Labour union or workers’ advocacy group 7 0.7%
Language training organization 60 6.0%
Legal service 20 2.0%
Member of a Communauté francophone accueillante (CFA)/Welcoming Francophone Community (WFC) 7 0.7%
Member of a Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) 39 3.9%
Member of a Réseau en immigration francophone (RIF)/Francophone Immigration Network (FIN) 15 1.5%
Multicultural or ethno-cultural association 29 2.9%
Not-for-profit, charitable or non-government organization 228 22.9%
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) community 13 1.3%
Settlement or resettlement organization 139 13.9%
Tourism organization 13 1.3%
Other 70 7.0%
Prefer not to say 6 0.6%
Sector type
Primary focus of organizationFootnote 4 Number of responses % of total respondents
Accommodation, hospitality and food services 92 9.2%
Administrative services 106 10.6%
Aerospace and defence 24 2.4%
Agriculture and agri-food 60 6.0%
Arts, entertainment and recreation 91 9.1%
Automotive 45 4.5%
Banking and insurance 31 3.1%
Bio-manufacturing and life sciences 42 4.2%
Construction 68 6.8%
Consulting and legal services 73 7.3%
Energy 36 3.6%
Engineering 59 5.9%
Fashion and design 18 1.8%
Forestry 27 2.7%
Health care and social assistance 187 18.8%
Manufacturing 53 5.3%
Mining and oil and gas extraction 26 2.6%
Professional, scientific and technical services 118 11.8%
Real estate and rental and leasing 24 2.4%
Retail and trade 37 3.7%
Technology 110 11.0%
Tourism 65 6.5%
Transportation 55 5.5%
Utilities 34 3.4%
Other 480 48.1%
I do not work in any of those sectors 62 6.2%
Prefer not to say 18 1.8%

A majority of participating stakeholders and partners (66%) report operating within large urban centres, consisting of a population of 100,000 and above while 36% operate in medium centres (population between 30,000 and 99,999) and another 36% operate in small centres (between 1,000 and 29,999). Less than a quarter (24%) operate in rural or remote areas, with a population of less than 1,000.

Key findings from the survey

Planning immigration levels

When asked to rank the top reasons for Canada to have a robust immigration system, a large majority (91%) of stakeholders and partners identified addressing economic and labour force needs and bringing new skills to Canada as the most important reason. Sustaining and strengthening communities in regions across Canada was identified by a majority (52%) of respondents. Supporting humanitarian commitments and reuniting families were also seen as important reasons.

Question 6: Which of the following would you say are the most important reasons for Canada to have a robust immigration system?

  % top 3
Help address economic and labour force needs and bring new skills to Canada 91%
Sustain and strengthen communities in all regions across Canada 52%
Support humanitarian commitments 39%
Reunite families 38%
Contribute to Canada’s diversity 30%
Increase Canada’s population 22%
Support francophone immigration and the development of official language minority communities 12%

When considering the 2025 targets of 301,250 new permanent residents for the economic classes and 118,000 new permanent residents for the family classes, a plurality (44%) of respondents felt the targets were “about right,” with the rest split between saying they represented “too few” (27–28%) and “too many” (19–20%) new permanent residents.

Respondents were more split when considering the refugees, protected persons and humanitarian classes, with 36% indicating that the target was “about right,” 20% indicating that it was “too few,” and almost a third (32%) indicating that it was “too many” new permanent residents – a sizeable increase over 2023.

Question 7: Canada’s current Immigration Levels Plan sets notional targets for new permanent residents in each immigration class for 2025. For each of the following immigration classes and the overall total, do you feel that this number of new permanent residents would be too many, too few or about right? For ease of reference, you can consult the full 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan.

  Too many About right Too few Don’t know
Economic classes
2025 target: 301,250
20% 44% 28% 7%
Family classes
2025 target: 118,000
19% 44% 27% 11%
Refugees, protected persons, and persons in Canada on humanitarian grounds
2025 target: 80,750
32% 36% 20% 12%
All categories
2025 target: 500,000
25% 45% 20% 10%

When asked about the proposed 2026 target of 500,000 new permanent residents across all categories, a plurality of respondents see the target as “about right” (45%), but more see it as “too many” (28%) than “too few” (20%).

Question 8: The current plan sets a notional target for 2026 to welcome 500,000 newcomers, or 1.25% of Canada’s population. In your opinion, do you feel that this number of new permanent residents would be too many, too few or about right?

  Too many About right Too few Don’t know
2026 target: 500,000
(1.25% of Canada’s population)
28% 45% 20% 7%

Beyond 2026, a plurality of respondents (39%) feel that immigration levels should stabilize at that level, with the rest split between seeing the need for a decrease (27%) or an increase (25%).

Question 9: Beyond 2026, would you like to see immigration levels increase, stabilize at 500,000 immigrants per year, or decrease?

  Response %
Increase 25%
Stabilize at 500,000 per year 39%
Decrease 27%
Don’t know 8%

If immigration levels were to increase, two thirds of respondents (66%) would choose to prioritize economic class immigrants; the rest are split between refugees, protected persons and persons in Canada on humanitarian grounds (15%), and family classes (14%). Many respondents were reluctant to recommend a specific class if levels were to decrease, with 34% answering “don’t know.” However, a third of respondents (33%) did select the refugees, protected persons and humanitarian classes, while fewer chose the economic (17%) or family (15%) classes.

Questions 10 and 11: If immigration levels were to increase, in which immigration class would you prioritize growth? If immigration levels were to decrease, in which immigration class would you recommend a decrease?

  If levels increase, where to prioritize? If levels decrease, where to decrease?
Economic classes 66% 17%
Refugees, protected persons, and persons in Canada on humanitarian grounds 15% 33%
Family classes 14% 15%
Don’t know 6% 34%
Supporting immigrants and communities in Canada

When asked to rank the most important areas requiring investment to support increased immigration in their region, the first choice from respondents was overwhelmingly housing – 89% chose it as one of the top 3 priorities. Health care services (76%), public transportation (39%) and post-secondary education and skills training (34%) were also seen as important priorities.

When invited to elaborate in an open-ended question, some respondents reiterated a significant need for investment in infrastructure and services to support a growing population. Key areas of focus included affordable housing, health care services, and public transportation. Respondents also emphasized the importance of recognizing foreign credentials, providing language training, and increasing access to settlement services for newcomers to ensure successful integration. Additionally, there were calls for more strategic immigration pathways and better regional distribution of newcomers to balance labour market demands and enhance community sustainability.

Question 12: How important would investment in each of the following be to support increased immigration in your region? Data below indicates items most often ranked in the top 3. Proportions provided are among those who submitted a valid response.

  % top 3
Housing 89%
Health care services 76%
Public transportation 39%
Post-secondary education/skills training 34%
Early learning and child care services 26%
Primary and secondary schools 22%
Internet access 4%

When asked which services would be most useful to newcomers and best support increased immigration in their region, 79% of respondents selected employment and career development support in their top 3. Foreign credential recognition support (62%) and language training (58%) were also selected in the top 3 by a majority of respondents.

Question 13a: Which of the following aspects would be most useful to newcomers and would best support increased immigration in your region? Data below indicates items most often ranked in the top 3. Proportions provided are among those who submitted a valid response.

  % top 3
Employment and career development support 79%
Foreign credential recognition support 62%
Language training 58%
Clear and easily accessible info about services/programs 27%
Resources to start/maintain a business 23%
Help accessing government or community services 22%
Diversity, equity and inclusion services 14%

When asked about the importance of different types of investments to attract newcomers to rural or remote areas and to small and medium-sized communities, roughly two thirds of respondents (63%) selected new dedicated pathways to permanent residence for their communities, as well as providing support for communities to play a larger role in the settlement and integration of newcomers. A majority also chose increased access to settlement services (57%), and enhancing promotional efforts of communities to potential immigrants (51%).

When invited to elaborate in an open-ended question, many respondents emphasized that all major infrastructure and social services would require further investment, particularly in terms of affordable housing, child care, education, health care, and public transportation. A greater demand on public utilities like water supply, sewage systems, electricity, gas, broadband and mobile network coverage were flagged as concerns in regions that have experienced rapid population growth. Some respondents stated that settlement services should be accessible for temporary residents, including international students, regardless of community location or size across Canada. Several respondents also noted that settlement services in rural or remote communities lack resources to serve newcomers, a unique feature to regions outside of major city centers.

Some respondents expressed concerns that current immigration levels were too high and unsustainable, highlighting the need to reduce volumes to ensure sufficient infrastructure for Canadians and alleviate pressure on the environment as the population grows. Others emphasized the importance of employer training, anti-racism efforts, and informing Canadians about the benefits of immigration. A few also underscored the role of law enforcement and emergency services in maintaining the safety and security of Canadians.

Question 14a: How important would investment in each of the following be to better attract and retain newcomers to rural or remote areas (with a population of less than 1,000) and to small and medium-sized communities (with a population of between 1,000 and 99,999)? Data below indicates items most often ranked in the top 3. Proportions provided are among those who submitted a valid response.

  % top 3
New dedicated permanent residence pathways for communities 63%
Support communities to play a larger role in the settlement and integration of newcomers 63%
Increased access to settlement services 57%
Enhanced promotion of communities to potential immigrants 51%
New community-specific temporary resident pathways 35%

Survey respondents were asked about the importance of different measures to support increased Francophone immigration in their region. Increased settlement services in Francophone minority communities (63%) and more support for French-speaking temporary residents to transition to permanent residence (61%) were chosen by more than 6 in 10 respondents in their top 3. Relatively fewer respondents chose improved selection mechanisms for Francophone and bilingual immigrants (52%) and a targeted expansion of promotional efforts in Canada and overseas (47%).

When asked to provide feedback about immigration in rural or remote areas, as well as small and medium-sized communities, several participants suggested that a focus on settlement services that are local and curated to local needs would be beneficial. Many also reiterated some of the pressures mentioned earlier, including housing, infrastructure, health care, child care, education, and public transportation. Some respondents stressed the importance of attracting and retaining newcomers because they inject life into local economies by starting new businesses, creating jobs, contributing to local tax revenues, and revitalizing communities. However, they also noted that a lack of employment opportunities in rural and small-medium sized communities can be a barrier.

Question 15: A new policy on Francophone immigration containing objectives, targets and indicators to increase Francophone immigration was launched in January 2024, as per the legislated obligation of the modernized Official Languages Act. Which of the following aspects would be most useful to support increased Francophone immigration in your region? Data below indicates items most often ranked in the top 3. Proportions provided are among those who submitted a valid response.

  % top 3
Increased settlement services, including language training for French-speaking newcomers in Francophone minority communities 63%
More support to help French-speaking temporary residents (workers and students) transition to permanent residence 61%
Improved selection mechanisms for Francophone and bilingual immigrants 52%
Targeted expansion of promotion efforts in Canada and overseas 47%
Responding to economic and labour force needs

When asked to what extent permanent economic programs currently respond to economic needs across Canada, a majority of respondents – over 6 in 10 respondents (62%) – felt that they did “not” respond “well enough,” while a quarter (24%) felt that they were “adequate.” Only 4% of respondents felt that they responded “very well” to economic needs across the country.

Question 16a: To what extent do permanent economic immigration programs currently respond to economic needs across Canada?

  Response %
Very well 4%
Adequately 24%
Not well enough 62%
Don’t know 10%

When those who felt Canada’s economic immigration programs do not effectively meet economic needs across Canada were asked to further explain why, the two most common reasons were barriers around foreign credential recognition (43%) and the fact that programs do not correct mismatches between immigrants’ skill levels and the country’s demands, particularly in sectors like trades, construction, health care, social assistance, information technology, and among Francophone immigrants (40%). Participants also flagged that the immigration system is too complex and/or processing times are too long (34%), and that opportunities for temporary foreign workers to become permanent residents are insufficient (30%). Concerns were also raised about unequal distribution around the country and the broader challenges of settlement and integration, such as the availability of affordable housing and health care, as well as insufficient settlement services (including for temporary residents). Language issues, including low program language requirements and inadequate training, were also mentioned, alongside concerns about race-based discrimination.

Question 16b: Which of the following would you say are the most important reasons why permanent economic immigration programs do not respond well enough to economic needs across Canada?

  Response %
There are barriers to foreign credential recognition 43%
These programs are not responding to labour market needs 40%
The immigration system is too complex and/or processing times are too long 34%
Opportunities for temporary workers to become permanent residents are insufficient 30%
The benefits of immigration are not distributed equally across the country 23%
These programs are not supporting economic growth 20%
Settlement services to help newcomers integrate are insufficient 18%
These programs are bringing in too many people 11%
These programs are bringing in too few people 8%
Other 10%

When asked to what extent permanent economic immigration programs should focus on selecting people with skills and/or work experience acquired in Canada, two thirds said that they should focus either “more” (34%) or “a lot more” (31%) on such selection. A quarter of responses were neutral (24%) and only 11% said “less” focus should be placed on this selection.

Question 17: Permanent economic programs intend to support and grow Canada’s economy by attracting and retaining workers who are more likely to establish economically and who have education or work experience in sectors or occupations with labour needs. To what extent should permanent economic immigration programs focus on selecting people with skills and/or work experience acquired in Canada?

  Response %
A lot more 31%
More 34%
Neutral 24%
Less 8%
A lot less 3%

When asked about the extent to which federal permanent economic immigration programs should support occupations in sectors that require only a high school diploma or no formal education, about half of respondents felt that it should be either “more” (28%) or “a lot more” (21%). The remainder are either neutral (30%) or feel it should be “less” (12%) or “a lot less” (9%).

Question 18: To what extent should federal permanent economic immigration programs support sectors with high demand for occupations that require a high school diploma or no formal education?

  Response %
A lot more 21%
More 28%
Neutral 30%
Less 12%
A lot less 9%

Given a number of ways that the federal government could contribute to regional economic growth while complementing existing provincial and territorial efforts, the most commonly selected were to increase collaboration with provinces and territories on foreign credential recognition to address barriers to labour market integration (69%) and increasing collaboration between all levels of government on economic immigration programs (66%). Around 6 in 10 also chose attracting more candidates with skills and experience in high-demand occupations across Canada (62%) and doing more to retain temporary residents in the regions where they are working and helping them to transition to permanent residence (60%).

Question 19: Provinces and territories select economic immigrants who can help meet the needs of their communities. How can the federal government contribute to regional economic growth, while complementing existing provincial and territorial efforts?

  Response %
Increase collaboration with provinces and territories on foreign credential recognition to address barriers to labour market integration 69%
Increase collaboration between all levels of government on economic immigration programs 66%
Attract more candidates with skills and experience in occupations that are in demand across Canada 62%
Do more to retain temporary workers in the regions where they are working and help them transition to permanent residence 60%
Allow provinces, territories and municipalities to select more applicants through economic immigration programs 51%
Attract more immigrants outside of major urban centres, regardless of their skills and experience 33%
Considering the impact of temporary residents

Respondents are divided on whether recently announced limits on temporary residents to 5% of the overall population was “too high” or “too low” (26% say each) with the rest saying that it is “about right” (35%) or answering “don’t know” (13%).

Question 20: On March 21, 2024, the Government of Canada announced that it would include a target for temporary resident arrivals in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan to better manage volumes. In addition, the Government of Canada proposed to decrease temporary residents from 6.2% of the overall population in 2023 to 5% of the overall population over the next 3 years. In your view, do you feel that a temporary resident proportion of 5% of the overall population is too high, too low or about right?

  Response %
Too high 26%
Too low 26%
About right 35%
Don’t know 13%
Addressing systemic barriers and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion

When asked to share their feedback on the potential to improve equitable access to opportunities for permanent residence, many respondents raised the importance of settlement services and integration supports – such as education, employment and skills training, and language training – as part of the process of adapting to a new home in Canada.

Respondents also highlighted the significance of foreign credential recognition and the need for more pathways to transition from temporary to permanent residence. Barriers inherent in the immigration application process – such as the complexity and accessibility of forms, processing times, the availability of IRCC agents, and transparency in decision-making – were also identified.

Due to the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities globally, there is often a lack of diversity among applicants, leading several respondents to stress the importance of equitable access to permanent residence opportunities. Additionally, they noted that humanitarian efforts should more accurately reflect needs, urgency, and equity.

The value of a diverse IRCC workforce was emphasized, alongside the benefits of diversity, equity, and inclusivity training for staff. Many respondents called for cultural competency and anti-racism training in Canadian public schools, as well as for employers, stakeholders and partners working with newcomers to improve understanding and perceptions of immigration in Canada. While the majority recognized the importance of diversity, some suggested that a greater emphasis should be placed on filling in-demand jobs that would benefit the Canadian economy. Several respondents specifically pointed to international students who studied in Canada, arguing that they should be allowed to remain in the country to help address labor shortages.

Learning from the process

Respondents were asked a series of questions regarding their engagement with IRCC on immigration levels planning. When asked to identify the most effective ways for the department to engage with them, stakeholders and partners indicated email (75%) and online surveys (63%) as their top choices. Group discussions, meetings, roundtables, and town hall conversations were also commonly mentioned.

Looking ahead at future engagement initiatives, respondents expressed the most interest in addressing economic and labor force needs (72%), helping to remove barriers to welcoming newcomers (57%), and supporting immigration to rural communities across Canada (47%). Respondents also indicated wishing to be further engaged by the department on topics such as international students and employment supports (such as skills or language training), including funding for these programs.

When asked about their experience with the engagement process, most stakeholders and partners appreciated that IRCC sought their opinions and valued the opportunity to contribute their ideas and feedback. Many cited the relevance and clarity of the questions, as well as the length and accessibility of the survey. Respondents also provided concrete suggestions to improve IRCC’s online consultation surveys. They expressed a desire for more open-ended questions that would allow them to elaborate on their choices. Some found the questions to be biased, while others wished to discuss broader immigration topics than those covered in the survey. Some stakeholders and partners requested more transparency on how their feedback would be considered and used to inform decisions.

When asked if they had any further recommendations to enhance their engagement in the future, many stakeholders and partners expressed a desire for more interactivity and more frequent exchanges with IRCC on immigration matters, specifically through in-person or virtual discussions, roundtables, and town halls.

Regional town hall conversations with the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary

From July 23 to August 2, 2024, five virtual regional town hall conversations were conducted with stakeholders and partners from the Atlantic region (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island), Ontario and Québec, the Prairies region (Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan), British Columbia, and Northern Canada (Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon). 1,010 stakeholders and partners from across the country attended these sessions.

These town hall conversations took place virtually via Zoom, and each town hall was hosted by either the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, or Paul Chiang, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. Simultaneous interpretation in English and French and sign language interpretation were made available to facilitate participation.

Key elements discussed

Impact of recent policy changes and international perception

The instability faced by international students and temporary foreign workers due to policy changes was a major concern. Several educational institutions worried about the rapid pace of immigration policy changes since January 2024. According to them, these changes have led to confusion and reluctance among international partners, and this uncertainty has affected Canada’s reputation on the world stage.

Stakeholders and partners emphasized the need for a comprehensive regularization program that provides a stable pathway to permanent residency for those already in Canada. Some participants also called for better support mechanisms to help these groups navigate the complex and often changing immigration landscape, which has left many feeling uncertain about their futures in Canada.

Many participants supported the federal government’s inclusion of temporary resident arrivals in addition to targets for permanent resident admissions as part of the next Immigration Levels Plan to allow for better planning. Many of them were also in favour of the proposed decrease in temporary resident numbers.

Housing and infrastructure challenges

A major issue raised was the severe housing shortages in major urban areas. Some participants expressed concern about the impact of high levels of immigration on housing, and called for better alignment between immigration targets and the availability of housing, as well as increased funding for necessary infrastructure, especially in the context of a growing population.

A sharp increase in the number of asylum seekers in shelters was observed in some provinces and territories, which led to additional pressures on already limited resources. The important role played by municipalities in welcoming newcomers was also noted.

Economic and labour market alignment

Participants stressed the importance of aligning immigration policies with labour market needs. There were calls for more targeted immigration programs that consider regional economic demands, and the specific needs of different sectors, including agriculture and hospitality.

There were concerns about the points system for permanent residency, which often disadvantages workers in trades or low-wage sectors despite their significant contributions to the economy.

Transitions from temporary to permanent residence

A recurring theme was the need to create clearer pathways that would allow those already living and working in Canada to transition from temporary to permanent residence. Participants emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of temporary workers and ensuring that they have opportunities to stay permanently.

Participants recommended focusing efforts on helping temporary residents transition to permanent residency, particularly in fields with severe labour shortages, like health care and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Some noted that the proposed decrease in temporary residents would need to take into consideration the potential impacts on sectors and communities that are most dependent on temporary migrants, including international students.

Regulatory challenges and foreign credentials recognition

The recognition of foreign credentials was a significant issue. Many participants called for more support from regulatory bodies to help skilled immigrants enter their professions in Canada. The high costs of upskilling for those who are not permanent residents were also highlighted.

It was also noted that many skilled immigrants struggle to have their qualifications recognized, forcing them into lower-skilled jobs. These skill mismatches – what newcomers can offer, versus what is often available to them as they settle – were raised as crucial points, and this discrepancy was heightened in rural areas.

There were calls for better coordination between the federal government, provinces and territories, and regulatory bodies to address these challenges.

Rural immigration, Francophone immigration and community support

Attracting and retaining immigrants in rural areas was another key concern. Participants noted that rural communities face unique challenges, such as limited access to services like transportation and child care, which can make it difficult for newcomers to settle and thrive.

Some called for immigration programs that are specifically tailored to the needs of rural areas, including increased support for temporary workers and their families. Specific pressures faced by northern regions were also flagged. While participants emphasized that immigration is crucial for economic growth, many also insisted that regional differences should be considered in the development and implementation of immigration policies.

Several organizations emphasized the importance of ensuring the vitality of Francophone communities across Canada, particularly in minority contexts outside of Québec. Specific challenges pertaining to French-speaking newcomers in the western region and in rural areas were raised by some, while others indicated the need for increasing promotional efforts to attract Francophone immigrants.

Refugee resettlement and humanitarian commitments

The discussions revealed significant concerns over potential reductions in resettlement numbers and the slow processing times for these applications. Participants stressed the need for Canada to maintain its leadership role in refugee resettlement and ensure that programs like the Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) program and the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program are adequately supported.

Organizations highlighted the importance of the GAR program and the need to reduce processing times for refugee sponsorships. Some emphasized the need for the government to commit to higher numbers of government-assisted and resettled refugees, while also addressing gaps between economic and humanitarian pathways. They also raised concerns about the discrepancy between the number of refugee claimants accepted as Convention refugeesFootnote 5 and the lower target for protected persons in the Immigration Levels Plan. The particular challenges faced by 2SLGBTQI+ refugees were also discussed. Some participants argued that the number of government-assisted and resettled refugees should be higher than the number of privately sponsored refugees.

There was broad consensus on the need to uphold Canada’s humanitarian obligations. Participants also emphasized the importance of regularization for essential workers, noting that many of them are employed in jobs that are not temporary, as there is a permanent need.

Settlement and integration services

Stakeholders and partners emphasized the critical need for comprehensive settlement, employment, and language services to ensure the successful integration of immigrants. They stressed that as immigration levels rise, there must be corresponding investments in support services aligned with the Immigration Levels Plan. Specific support for vulnerable populations, such as women, gender-diverse individuals, and 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers, was highlighted as essential to prevent marginalization. Overall, robust settlement services, particularly for refugees, were deemed crucial to helping immigrants build successful lives in Canada.

The discussions also addressed significant shortages in housing, health care, and child care, noting that these gaps could further marginalize newcomer populations. Some participants advocated for coordinated efforts across all levels of government to ensure adequate funding and support for community agencies that play a pivotal role in settlement and integration.

Throughout the discussions, participants emphasized the importance of a well-supported, inclusive approach to ensure that all newcomers, especially the most vulnerable, have access to the services they need to thrive in Canada.

Family reunification and support for workers’ families

Emphasis was placed on the vital role of family reunification in ensuring the success and well-being of immigrants, particularly in rural areas. Participants advocated for policies that better support workers in bringing their families with them, which they saw as crucial for both economic productivity and community stability.

Some participants highlighted the challenges faced by workers on two-year work visas, especially those reclassified as “low wage” who are unable to have their spouses join them. The importance of family and spousal support in rural communities was a recurring theme.

Several stakeholders and partners called for increasing numbers in the family reunification program, particularly the Parents and Grandparents program. Some proposed a system similar to the super visa for parents and grandparents, which would allow grandparents and other family members to temporarily join workers and students in Canada. They argued this would help families manage child care and household responsibilities without overburdening local services.

Public perception and anti-immigration sentiment

The growing divisiveness in public discourse around immigration was noted as a challenge. Some participants expressed concern that negative sentiments towards immigration could hinder community integration and the success of refugee resettlement programs. The need for positive community-building efforts and sustained investment in settlement services was emphasized as a way to counteract these negative trends.

Additional engagement on immigration levels planning

Given the expanded scope of this year’s Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC also organized a series of roundtables with urban planners from various cities and towns across Canada, select municipal representatives, and economists from Canada’s banks. These roundtables took place virtually in August and September 2024. They were hosted by Minister Miller, as well as Dr. Harpreet S. Kochhar, Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and other senior IRCC officials. Representatives from the business community, labour organizations, and organizations providing services to immigrants, asylum claimants and refugees were also consulted on the reduction of temporary resident volumes.

Key elements discussed

Support for managing temporary resident volumes

Participants generally supported IRCC’s efforts to manage temporary resident volumes, including the 5% reduction target, even in regions and sectors facing chronic labour shortages. They stressed the importance of distinguishing between international students and workers within the temporary resident category, since their needs differ. Stakeholders and partners also emphasized that when changes are announced for programs, such as those for international students and temporary foreign workers, it is crucial to explain how they align with the targets to ensure clarity.

Reducing permanent resident targets

There was broad agreement among economists that targets for the 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan, which proposed to admit 500,000 new permanent residents by 2025, were too high and should be reconsidered. Participants noted that having the appropriate mix (or distribution) of immigrants would be as important as overall numbers to meet labour market needs effectively.

Coherence, data transparency, and the immigration continuum

Some participants called for better alignment between labour market needs and the skills of temporary workers, and stressed the importance of prioritizing workers already in Canada.

City planners and municipalities highlighted the need for reliable data to support long-term planning, as the lack of such data makes it difficult to plan services and infrastructure for growing communities.

Stakeholders and partners suggested evaluating the purpose of each temporary resident category, questioning whether the goal of temporary resident programs is to transition workers to permanent resident status. If this two-step approach to immigration continues, temporary resident programs should focus on candidates who are likely to succeed as future permanent residents, not just on filling short-term labour needs.

Unemployment rates and a looming recession

Some participants noted that the impact of immigration on population growth has helped Canada avoid a recession. However, unemployment has risen in the last two years, especially among youth and newcomers who have been in Canada for five years or less.

Economists warned that some newcomers are already experiencing the effects of a recession, with unemployment rates for this group rising at a pace similar to the 2008 recession. They cautioned that a broader recession may soon affect more Canadians, with Toronto already showing signs due to high unemployment. Slowing the rate of new arrivals could help stabilize the labour market and reduce unemployment for these groups.

Annexes

Annex A: Online survey

Q1 – Please provide your organization’s name.

Q2 – Which of the following best describe(s) your organization? (Please select all that apply.)

Q3 – In which of the following sector(s) does your organization operate? (Please select all that apply.)

Q4a – In which province(s) or which territory(ies) does your organization operate? (Please select all that apply.)

Q4b – [If “Quebec” is selected alone above] Does your organization have a national mandate, or is your mandate limited to the province of Quebec?

Q5 – Does your organization represent or serve members from one of the following communities? (Please select all that apply.)

Q6 – Which of the following would you say are the most important reasons for Canada to have a robust immigration system? Please rank up to 3 factors in terms of importance by selecting a box for each rank, with 1 as the most important.

Planning immigration levels

Q7 – Canada’s current Immigration Levels Plan sets notional targets for new permanent residents in each immigration class for 2025. For each of the following immigration classes and the overall total, do you feel that this number of new permanent residents would be too many, too few or about right? For ease of reference, you can consult the full 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan.

  Too many Too few About right Don’t know
Economic classes
(for example: workers or business immigrants)
2025 target:
301,250
o o o o
Family classes
(for example, spouses or partners, children or parents of people already in Canada)
2025 target:
118,000
o o o o
Refugees, protected persons, and persons in Canada on humanitarian grounds
(for example, resettled refugees or asylum seekers)
2025 target:
80,750
o o o o
All categories
2025 target:
500,000
(approximately 1.25% of Canada’s population)
o o o o

Q8 – The current plan sets a notional target for 2026 to welcome 500,000 newcomers, or 1.25% of Canada’s population. In your opinion, do you feel that this number of new permanent residents would be too many, too few or about right?

Q9 – Beyond 2026, would you like to see immigration levels increase, stabilize at 500,000 immigrants per year, or decrease?

Q10 – If immigration levels were to increase, in which immigration class would you prioritize growth?

Q11 – If immigration levels were to decrease, in which immigration class would you recommend a decrease?

Supporting immigrants and communities in Canada

Note: If you do not wish to answer a particular question, you can click on → below to proceed to the next question.

Q12 – How important would investment in each of the following be to support increased immigration in your region? Please rank up to 3 factors in terms of importance by selecting a box for each rank, with 1 as the most important.

Q13a – Which of the following aspects would be most useful to newcomers and would best support increased immigration in your region? Please rank up to 3 factors in terms of importance by selecting a box for each rank, with 1 as the most important.

Q13b – Is there anything else that would require investment to support an increased population in your region? [Open-ended answer]

Q14a – How important would investment in each of the following be to better attract and retain newcomers to rural or remote areas (with a population of less than 1,000) and to small and medium-sized communities (with a population of between 1,000 and 99,999)? Please rank up to 3 factors in terms of importance by selecting a box for each rank, with 1 as the most important.

Q14b – Would you like to provide additional feedback about immigration to rural or remote areas, small and medium-sized communities? [Open-ended answer]

Q15 – A new policy on Francophone immigration containing objectives, targets and indicators to increase Francophone immigration was launched in January 2024, as per the legislated obligation of the modernized Official Languages Act. Which of the following aspects would be most useful to support increased Francophone immigration in your region? Please rank up to 3 factors in terms of importance by selecting a box for each rank, with 1 as the most important.

Responding to economic and labour force needs

Q16a – To what extent do permanent economic immigration programs currently respond to economic needs across Canada?

Q16b – [If “not well enough” is selected alone above] Which of the following would you say are the most important reasons why permanent economic immigration programs do not respond well enough to economic needs across Canada? (Please select all that apply.)

Q17 – Permanent economic programs intend to support and grow Canada’s economy by attracting and retaining workers who are more likely to establish economically and who have education or work experience in sectors or occupations with labour needs. To what extent should permanent economic immigration programs focus on selecting people with skills and/or work experience acquired in Canada?

Q18 – To what extent should federal permanent economic immigration programs support sectors with high demand for occupations that require a high school diploma or no formal education?

Q19 – Provinces and territories select economic immigrants who can help meet the needs of their communities. How can the federal government contribute to regional economic growth, while complementing existing provincial and territorial efforts? (Please select all that apply.)

Considering the impact of temporary residents

Q20 – On March 21, 2024, the Government of Canada announced that it would include a target for temporary resident arrivals in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan to better manage volumes. In addition, the Government of Canada proposed to decrease temporary residents from 6.2% of the overall population in 2023 to 5% of the overall population over the next 3 years. In your view, do you feel that a temporary resident proportion of 5% of the overall population is too high, too low or about right?

Addressing systemic barriers and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion

Q21 – Immigration also plays an important role in supporting diversity, and IRCC is committed to addressing systemic racism, sexism, ableism and other barriers that currently exist. IRCC has made a commitment to review its policies for bias and better understand their impact on clients. Where do you see potential to improve equitable access to opportunities for permanent residence? [Open-ended answer]

Learning from the process

Q22 – What are the most effective ways for IRCC to engage with you and/or your organization on immigration levels planning? (Please check all that apply.)

Q23 – What did you like about this engagement process? [Open-ended answer]

Q24 – Was there anything you did not like about this engagement process? [Open-ended answer]

Q25 – Do you have any changes or further recommendations that could support your participation in future years? [Open-ended answer]

Q26 – IRCC regularly engages with stakeholders and partners from across the country on immigration. What topic(s) would you be interested in exploring with us as part of future engagement initiatives? (Please check all that apply.)

Q27 – Do you agree to have your written submission published in full or in part in subsequent reports?

Thank you for sharing your insights with us!

Annex B: Participating organizations

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