LIBERAL VICTORY: CARNEY'S MINORITY WIN SIGNALS CONTINUITY IN IMMIGRATION POLICIES
In the wake of Canada’s 2025 federal election, Mark Carney's Liberal Party has formed a minority government, a result widely seen as a mandate for continuity in immigration policy amidst ongoing national debates about housing, labour shortages, and population growth.
The Liberals have reiterated their commitment to a balanced immigration strategy, promising to keep permanent resident admissions below 1% of Canada’s population annually beyond 2027. For the near term, this means sustaining current targets, with 395,000 newcomers projected for 2025, gradually tapering to 365,000 by 2027. This measured approach is intended to support long-term demographic and economic needs while avoiding strain on public services.
A key pillar of the new government’s plan is the reduction of temporary residents, which currently make up approximately 7.25% of Canada’s population. The Liberals aim to bring this figure down to below 5% by 2027, citing the need to rebalance immigration streams and improve pathways to permanence. The move reflects growing concerns about temporary worker precarity and the housing market’s capacity to absorb short-term population spikes.
Housing availability remains central to the Liberal immigration platform. In response to recent pressures in the real estate and rental sectors, the government has vowed to maintain immigration caps until infrastructure and housing catch up. This position aligns with recommendations from economists and policy think tanks calling for immigration levels to be synchronized with urban development and affordability planning.
Though holding only a minority, Carney’s government is expected to find broad parliamentary support for most of its immigration proposals, especially from parties prioritizing labour market stability and demographic renewal.
What does this mean for future immigrants and temporary residents?
Canada will continue to welcome newcomers, but with more structured planning and a focus on permanent pathways. Understanding how these policy shifts affect your eligibility is key to planning your move.
Contact Global Opportunities for a personalized immigration assessment based on the latest political and policy developments.