QUESTION PERIOD — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Immigration Levels
June 19, 2025
Leader, in 2024, according to estimates, Canada issued roughly 88,000 temporary permits per month. But so far in 2025 that number has almost doubled, surging to over 171,000 monthly.
Between January and April alone, Canada recorded 817,000 new arrivals, including 491,400 work permits and 194,000 study permits. These are staggering numbers by any standard, and they raise serious questions about oversight and planning.
Leader, how did your government lose control of immigration so badly in just one year? And is this yet another example of saying one thing publicly while allowing the system to accelerate unchecked behind the scenes?
Senator, thank you for your question. This government is focused on finding the right balance between the needs to Canada of attracting the human resources we need for our economy and for the growth of our society with ensuring that we have the ability to integrate and to support those who choose to come here for the benefit of us collectively, and it will continue to do so.
The government, in the past, has taken steps to readjust levels of immigration while, at the same time — as we’ve heard in this chamber, even recently — make sure that Canada tracks the immigrants it needs for its economic growth and prosperity.
Yes, the Speech from the Throne promised balance, yet temporary immigration is accelerating and further straining housing and social services. With over 800,000 newcomers in four months, how can Canadians trust this government to enforce its promised cap? Will we see a real, enforceable plan this year or is this just another case of words without action?
I think Canadians have demonstrated their trust in this government both in terms of the actual results of the election and in terms of the results of polls that had given this current Prime Minister an extraordinary high level of popular support.
And here I’m echoing the words of the Prime Minister: this government will be judged by its results. Canadians should have confidence that it will work hard to deserve that trust.
