Trudeau says he could have acted faster to make immigration changes, blames ‘bad actors’
Prime Minister Trudeau Acknowledges Need for Faster Action on Immigration Programs
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently admitted that the federal government could have acted more swiftly to address issues with immigration programs, attributing delays to “bad actors” who exploited the system. In a nearly seven-minute video posted on YouTube, Trudeau discussed the reduction in permanent residents being admitted to Canada and changes to the temporary foreign worker program.
Trudeau highlighted a 20% reduction in the permanent residency stream over the next two years, aiming to cap admissions at 365,000 by 2027. He emphasized the importance of increasing immigration post-pandemic to bolster the labor market and prevent a severe economic downturn. However, he acknowledged that certain individuals and entities took advantage of these programs for personal gain.
“Some saw that as a profit, to game the system. We saw way too many large corporations do this,” Trudeau stated in the video. He also criticized colleges and universities for using international student programs to boost revenue through higher tuition fees and scammers for exploiting vulnerable immigrants with false promises of citizenship.
Reflecting on the situation, Trudeau admitted that the government could have been more proactive in curbing misuse of immigration programs once the need for additional labor decreased. As a response to these challenges, Trudeau outlined a new immigration plan aimed at reducing the influx of both permanent and temporary immigrants to Canada.
Among the recent changes are stricter criteria for approving temporary worker permits, making it more challenging for employers to recruit foreign workers. The ultimate goal of the government’s immigration reduction strategy is to stabilize population growth while addressing housing shortages, with potential plans to gradually increase immigration rates in the future.
Conservative Leader Poilievre Criticizes Trudeau’s Immigration Policy
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s spokesperson, Sebastian Skamski, referenced Poilievre’s concerns about the current immigration system in a recent interview. Poilievre criticized Trudeau for denouncing his own immigration policies following the implementation of recent changes, accusing him of causing the problems he now seeks to fix.
Poilievre emphasized the need to restore Canada’s immigration system to its former status as one of the best in the world, advocating for a balanced approach that considers factors like housing availability, healthcare access, and job opportunities. He reiterated his commitment to implementing a comprehensive immigration strategy that upholds the values of legality and fairness.
Addressing potential challenges related to irregular migration in light of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s deportation promises, a spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s Office clarified that the video was recorded before the American election. The government aims to communicate its policies effectively to Canadians through various channels, including informative videos like the one featuring Trudeau.
Overall, Trudeau’s acknowledgment of the need for swifter action on immigration programs underscores the government’s commitment to addressing systemic issues and ensuring a fair and efficient immigration system for all. By implementing targeted reforms and enhancing oversight measures, Canada seeks to maintain a balanced approach to immigration that benefits both newcomers and the country as a whole.
