Maple News reports that the upcoming Canadian federal election on September 20 presents a valuable moment to reimagine and improve the country’s immigration system—an increasingly vital pillar of Canada’s economic and social framework.
As political parties campaign nationwide, their platforms on immigration policy carry significant weight; the next elected government will hold a four-year mandate to lead Canada through one of the most demographically critical periods in its history. With an aging population and one of the lowest birth rates among developed nations, Canada is relying more than ever on immigration to maintain economic growth, support social programs, and stabilize its labor market.
The current demographic challenges are clear. Senior citizens place higher demands on healthcare and public services, while contributing less to the economy compared to working-age individuals. This dynamic increases the tax burden on younger Canadians. Immigration cannot completely resolve this issue, but it greatly eases the pressure and helps balance out the workforce.
Acknowledging this, the Canadian government has adopted a bold stance. Under its 2021–2023 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims to welcome more than 401,000 new permanent residents annually—the highest intake in over a century. The last time Canada reached a similar milestone was in 1913.
But record-high immigration targets come with new challenges, many of which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Disruptions in application processing, the backlog of approved permanent residents awaiting entry, and the uncertain futures faced by many skilled foreign workers all demand immediate attention.
Beyond the pandemic, there are calls for a broader review of Canada’s immigration programs. Enhancing the efficiency of the Express Entry system, accelerating the rollout of the Municipal Nominee Program, and overhauling business immigration policies are key economic priorities. Additionally, the Family Class sponsorship programs must be made more consistent and transparent, especially for spouses and grandparents. There’s also renewed focus on humanitarian efforts, including accommodating Afghan refugees and strengthening the Private Sponsorship of Refugees program.
Supporting newcomers once they arrive is equally important. Improving access for temporary residents, reducing citizenship application fees, and streamlining settlement services are long-term goals that will help newcomers integrate more successfully into Canadian life.
While Canada’s immigration system is often cited as one of the best globally, there remains plenty of room for modernization and innovation. The decisions made by the next government will be fundamental in shaping a more inclusive, efficient, and resilient immigration system fit for the future.