COLUMN: On Parliament Hill – Formerly the envy of the world

Over the past decade, Canada’s immigration system has undergone a dramatic transformation—from being widely regarded as a global model and an envy of the world to one now criticized for lacking “meaningful policy and administrative oversight.” This assessment comes from a recent report by the Fraser Institute.

Highlighting the findings, journalist Bryan Passifiume noted that immigration levels have surged at an unprecedented pace, growing six times faster over the decade. Between 2016 and 2024—excluding the pandemic years—annual immigration figures doubled, reaching approximately 1.4 million newcomers each year.

These figures come as little surprise when viewed alongside some of the ambitious—and controversial—proposals floated in recent years. One such example is the Century Initiative, which aims to grow Canada’s population to 100 million by the year 2100—a plan that has drawn strong opposition from Conservatives. While such ideological goals may sound visionary, they must be backed by practical planning and accountability. Without that, they risk becoming little more than political posturing, with real consequences for Canadian society.

What we have witnessed, and what the Fraser report has confirmed, is that Liberal immigration policies have overwhelmed our housing, healthcare, and job market. These systematic strains have left many newcomers disillusioned about the promises of life in Canada. The report also reveals that foreign students who came in good faith have found themselves in dire circumstances, with some ending up living in shelters while trying to support their studies. For many of these students, securing housing and finding employment became nearly impossible.

Effective policymaking requires more than vision—it demands a clear understanding of the ripple effects that any decision may have. Like any sound plan, immigration policy must account for its layered impacts on housing, infrastructure, services, and communities. Responsible leaders anticipate these consequences, working to ensure that individuals and communities are not caught off guard. Where challenges are foreseeable, proactive measures must be taken to mitigate them.

Canada, in many cases, has sold newcomers a false promise. Instead of setting people up for success, Canada has failed them. The goal of immigration should allow newcomers to contribute, succeed and be part of the Canadian family. Unfortunately, this is not happening under the current system.

Conservatives have proposed a “Blue Seal” professional standard, a pragmatic solution aimed at addressing labour shortages in critical sectors like healthcare. This initiative would allow internationally trained doctors, nurses, and other professionals to prove their qualifications and begin working anywhere in Canada, once approved. It’s a common-sense plan designed to match the country’s greatest needs with the skilled individuals best equipped to meet them.

Unfortunately, the Liberal government failed to adequately plan the infrastructure required to support its aggressive immigration policies. This lack of foresight has had a direct ripple effect, driving up the cost of living and putting immense strain on housing and healthcare systems across the country

Beyond infrastructure, other concerns have emerged. Liberal policies have enabled corporations to bring in large numbers of low-wage temporary foreign workers, putting downward pressure on wages and making it harder for Canadians to find employment. At the same time, rules that once limited the working hours of international students were relaxed, now allowing them to work up to 40 hours per week, further impacting the labour market and stretching support systems even thinner.

In a recent interview, Pierre Poilievre addressed concerns about wage stagnation following the pandemic. He noted that the government appeared more focused on responding to business interests—specifically those seeking to increase labour supply in order to drive down wages—rather than protecting Canadian workers. This, he argued, reflects a broader pattern of policymaking that prioritizes corporate demands over the economic well-being of everyday Canadians.

Unfortunately, rather than acknowledging the consequences of poor policymaking, recent public opinion panels commissioned by the Privy Council Office show that many Canadians are now reacting negatively to high levels of immigration. This shift in sentiment is not rooted in intolerance, but in the visible strain on housing, health care, and other essential services. That’s why the government must take a step back, consider the whole picture, and adopt policies that give our systems time to catch up while offering a clear and sustainable path forward.

Conservatives are putting forward practical solutions. It’s time to end abuse of the temporary foreign worker program. Fraudulent refugee claims must be identified and addressed. The international student program needs a complete overhaul. Temporary residents who commit crimes must be held accountable, and robust security and criminal vetting should be non-negotiable.

Canada can do better. Conservatives believe in building a country where anyone—from anywhere—can achieve anything through hard work, the rule of law, and meaningful contribution. We don’t blame people for wanting to come to Canada. We blame the broken Liberal policies that failed them—and all Canadians.