As Canada prepares to table its next Immigration Levels Plan by November 1, the usual consultation process is underway. To many, the process is both familiar and predictable. However, many also fear that, in its current format, it’s no longer sufficient to meet the challenge of the moment.
We’re part of a collation of nearly 200 diverse organizations calling for a renewed vision for Canadian immigration—one rooted in clear, unifying principles and shaped through collaboration with leaders from across our country and economy.
The Current Approach
The federal government has pledged to reduce the non-permanent resident population to less than 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2027 and stabilize permanent resident admissions at less than 1% of the population annually beyond that date. Notably, those levels were already reached in the 2024 plan.
This summer, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC ) invited community, business, Indigenous, and educational organizations to complete an online survey on the 2026- 2028 levels. Consultations with provinces, territories, and other stakeholders are also taking place.
The questions remain familiar—essentially a ‘Goldilocks’ exercise: are the levels too high, too low, or about right?
In past years, this process was perhaps sufficient. Broad consensus supported immigration’s central role in ensuring prosperity and competitiveness. But that consensus is weakening, and uncertainty is growing. Canada must be clearer about the goals its immigration targets are meant to achieve.
A Changing Debate
Although immigration barely surfaced during the recent election campaign, debate has surged since the new government took office.
Amidst the backdrop of global economic turmoil and an emerging trade war, high immigration levels are blamed for exacerbating social challenges such as housing affordability and unemployment.
Meanwhile, Statistics Canada data shows that immigration plays a more partial, inconsistent, and ultimately more complex role in housing affordability compared with other domestic factors than is frequently presented, and economists warn that slowing immigration could trigger long- term economic decline.
At the federal level, immigration is set to continue to be a wedge issue, with the Conservatives calling for “very hard caps” on immigration and “severe limits on population growth,” including the scrapping of the temporary foreign worker program. We can expect provincial Premiers to continue to voice their concerns as well, with several calling for greater control over immigration.
It’s a volatile and uncertain environment for the preparation of the next Levels Plan, and it’s no wonder Canadians are as divided as ever on the issues.
A Call for Principles
While we may differ on specific policies, we believe it is vital in this moment to restate the shared principles that unite us. Within weeks of launching The Canada We Believe In coalition in April, nearly 200 organizations—from civil society, business, and labour—endorsed five core principles:
- A commitment to clear and streamlined immigration programs that support our future economic growth and productivity and attract the best global talent to local communities and economies.
- A commitment to ensuring all-of-government coordination and investment to align with immigration goals and prevent misplaced blame for infrastructure deficits.
- A commitment to repudiate anti-immigration rhetoric. Discrimination needs to be called out and all Canadians need support to regain their trust and confidence.
- A commitment to reaffirm and strengthen humanitarian programs to continue to transform lives and uphold Canada’s international standing and values.
- A commitment to define success through more than total arrival numbers. Clear economic, social, and global impact measures must be defined.
The Path Forward
This fall’s multi-year Levels Plan must be grounded in these principles to help rebuild consensus and public confidence. It should not simply balance numbers but chart a vision for immigration that unites Canadians.
If used as a launchpad for a new national conversation, these principles can guide Canada toward a future built on a strong foundation of shared prosperity and sustainable growth.
Katie Crocker, former CEO, AMSSA
Liz Lougheed Green, CEO, Association of Neighbourhood Houses of BC
Patrick MacKenzie, CEO, Immigrant Employment Council of BC
Shamira Madhany, Managing Director, WESCAN & Deputy Executive Director World Education Services
Jonathan Oldman, CEO, Immigrant Services Society of BC
Devika Ramkhelawan, Executive Director, Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House
Olga Stachova, CEO, MOSAIC