Canada’s Immigration Crossroads: A Call for Clarity, Collaboration, and a Renewed Vision

In an article published by The Canada We Believe In coalition, leaders from business, education, and non-profit sectors across the country say that immigration policy—once a source of unity in Canadian politics—has become a point of division, uncertainty, and missed opportunity.

At the same time, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has given its own warning: the immigration system is “facing a crisis” and “doesn’t seem to be working well for anyone—not for newcomers, not for employers.”

A Familiar Process, New Problems

For decades, Ottawa’s multi-year immigration plans have followed a familiar pattern. Provinces, territories, businesses, and community groups are asked for input—usually through surveys and consultations—on whether immigration levels are “too high, too low, or about right.”

That process continued this year, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) holding consultations on the 2026–2028 immigration targets. But according to The Canada We Believe In coalition, which represents nearly 200 organizations nationwide, the old model no longer matches the current reality of Canadian immigration.

The coalition argues that immigration policy can’t just be about numbers anymore. Instead, this fall’s Immigration Levels Plan needs to be built on clear, unifying principles that restore public trust and provide a bold, long-term vision.

The Five Core Principles

The coalition is calling for Ottawa to base the next plan on five main commitments:

• Clear, streamlined immigration programs that grow the economy, improve productivity, and help local communities attract global talent.

• Better coordination across government and more investment, so immigration goals match housing, infrastructure, and public services—while avoiding misplaced blame for system gaps.

• A strong stand against anti-immigration rhetoric, with discrimination called out directly to rebuild trust and public confidence.

• Stronger humanitarian programs that continue to change lives while protecting Canada’s reputation and values.

• Success measured by more than arrival numbers, with clear economic, social, and global impact used to track results.

By centering the Levels Plan on these principles, the coalition says Canada can rebuild trust, confidence, and clarity at a time when immigration is becoming more political and more polarized.

What This Could Mean for the Immigration Levels Plan

If these principles are adopted, Ottawa would move past the usual debate of whether immigration levels are “too high, too low, or about right.” The plan would no longer just be about quotas. Instead, it could become a roadmap linking immigration targets directly to labour market needs, infrastructure investments, and public confidence.

By grounding decisions in transparent goals and reliable data—not political spin—this approach could prevent immigration from becoming even more divisive.

The changes could have wide effects:

• For newcomers: faster, clearer paths to permanent residency and stronger support for economic and social integration.

• For communities: population growth that matches housing, healthcare, and other services.

• For the economy: immigration policy focused on long-term principles, not short-term politics, could protect Canada’s access to global talent as demographics shift and labour shortages continue.

A Critical Moment for Canada

Canada is at a turning point. With slowing population growth, rising labour shortages, and growing political tensions, immigration planning can no longer be shaped by short-term politics or simple quotas. The next Immigration Levels Plan must be rooted in clear principles, transparent goals, and reliable data, making sure immigration policy works with broader economic and social priorities to build long-term prosperity and public trust.

But with the new plan due in just weeks, the window for this shift is closing fast. Without it, Canada risks another year of immigration policy shaped more by reaction than by strategy.