Maple News reports that several provinces across Canada are voicing concern after the federal government announced a significant reduction in immigration allocations for 2025. Provincial immigration leaders in Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador have publicly expressed interest in welcoming more newcomers than their allotted quotas permit, citing regional economic and demographic needs.
This growing tension comes as the Northwest Territories delays the reopening of its Provincial Nominee Program (NTNP), which had aimed to begin processing 100 applications by January 16, 2025. Similarly, New Brunswick has adjusted the structure of its 2025 economic immigration programs, aligning them with wider changes to Canada’s national immigration policies.
At the heart of the issue is the 2025 Immigration Levels Plan, unveiled on November 1, 2024, by Immigration Minister Marc Miller. Notably, the plan slashes admissions for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) by 50% compared to 2024 levels. These admissions refer to the final step in Canada’s immigration process, when applicants land in the country and are granted permanent resident status.
The drastic cutback has caused delays across the board. Aside from Manitoba, no province has held a PNP immigration draw in 2025 thus far, leaving aspiring immigrants and employers in limbo. PNPs have historically allowed individual provinces to select skilled immigrants who meet local labor market demands and contribute to regional growth.
Experts suggest the pause in provincial immigration activity reflects Ottawa’s broader effort to recalibrate immigrant intake with available housing and infrastructure. However, provincial leaders warn that despite these concerns, reduced immigration could slow economic progress, especially in provinces with aging populations or labor shortages.
Maple News will continue monitoring provincial responses and the status of PNP operations as Canada navigates a more restrained immigration posture in 2025.