Statement by Century Initiative in Response to Federal Government’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan

"Cutting immigration targets is the ultimate hammer solution to a problem far more complex than a few loose nails. This decision projects panic and instability at a time when the country needs clarity and foresight. Canada’s reputation as a stable, welcoming environment for business and talent is now at risk.” — Lisa Lalande, CEO, Century Initiative

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Key Points:

·        Short-Term Political Calculus, Long-Term Consequences: While it may seem like a convenient political fix, it’s short-sighted and fails to address the real, underlying challenges Canada is facing. What we need now is leadership with a clear, forward-thinking vision—not policies that chase public opinion from month to month.

·        Undermines Economic Foundations: Reducing permanent resident targets will worsen labour shortages across key sectors, including care centers, construction sites, and research institutions—industries heavily dependent on skilled immigrants.

·        Cutting Permanent Resident Targets Undermines Sustainable Growth: The government’s decision to cut Permanent Resident targets—rather than pursue strategic reform to temporary migration programs—sidesteps a crucial opportunity to strengthen Canada’s labour market with stable, long-term contributors.

·        Canadians Value Skilled Immigration: The Environics Institute’s data shows that 73% of Canadians prioritize skilled immigrants, and 64% emphasize education and expertise—clear evidence that the public understands the importance of high-skill talent.

·        The Core Challenge is Growth Planning, Not Immigration: Canada’s issues—such as housing shortages, strained infrastructure, and overwhelmed services—require a holistic, national growth strategy. The answer lies in aligning population needs with sustainable resources, not reactionary policy cuts.

·        A Holistic Approach for Sustainable Growth: This is about more than just adjusting numbers. We need a national smart growth framework that connects immigration with the infrastructure and services needed to sustain and grow our economy. In the coming days, Century Initiative will be sharing a research-backed framework for the federal government, working alongside provinces, municipalities, Indigenous communities and the private sector to build a plan that works for all Canadians.

Cutting immigration without addressing these structural gaps only kicks the can down the road—and risks fracturing the long-term immigration consensus that has served Canada so well.