The Immigration Context
Canada’s immigration system began adjusting after years of rapid growth. In 2025, the federal government reduced permanent resident (PR) targets to approximately 395,000, reflecting a shift toward aligning immigration with public concerns about housing, infrastructure, and service capacity.
Efforts also started to rebalance temporary migration, which had grown to over seven percent of the population. New caps and policy changes aim to reduce this and shift management of overall system pressures, with millions of temporary residents expected to transition out of status by the end of 2026.
Public confidence in immigration has declined as well. Research conducted in late 2025 showed that 56 percent of Canadians believe there is too much immigration, while polling reported by CBC indicates broad support for reducing current levels.
These concerns are mostly about how the system is managed and how immigration affects communities. However, in Canada and around the world, the wider immigration debate has also included increased misinformation and anti-immigrant language. More than ever, immigration has become a partisan issue.
At the same time, high numbers of asylum claims and a growing backlog continue to put pressure on the system. Funding cuts to settlement services may also make it harder for newcomers to settle successfully when support is needed most. The government has also introduced new laws that make significant—and, for some, controversial—changes to the refugee claim process.
Settlement Sector Under Strain
The settlement sector is also facing significant financial constraints. The federal government’s Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER) is reducing funding for newcomer services by approximately $400 million over the coming years, compounding earlier reductions.
These cuts come at a critical moment. Settlement services, including language training and employment support, are essential to ensuring newcomers can fully participate in Canada’s economy and communities. Reduced access risks limiting long-term integration outcomes.
ISSofBC’s Role
In this evolving context, ISSofBC plays a key role—supporting newcomers while shaping a more effective, coordinated, and trusted immigration system for the future. Over the last year, we have been more vocal in calling for a renewed, principles-based vision for immigration in Canada, core to our desire for a stronger, more-sustainable Canada in the global system.
We have shared this message with Parliament, elected leaders, and local community forums. Our extended team has been part of many policy and advisory groups touching on almost every aspect of Canada’s immigration system, and we engage extensively with local community and business groups. We will continue with this work in the year ahead.
Please see examples of our advocacy work over the year:
ISSofBC welcomes the new federal Minister for Immigration, Refugees, & Citizenship (IRCC), the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab,QC MP,
Is immigration really driving Canada’s housing affordability crisis? Jonathan Oldman
Responding to the 2025 Federal Budget and Immigration Levels Plan (2026-28)
National Non-Profit Day: Canada’s non-profit sector and ISSofBC’s impact
Call ahead of the Federal elections: A stronger Canada starts with a better vision of immigration
Author:
Chris Friesen
Chief Operating Officer (COO)