Mark Carney says immigration may resume with "some controlled increase in the population"

In a September interview with The New York Times, Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government had reduced immigration targets after a post-pandemic rise in demand for newcomers put pressure on housing, health care and education. He said Ottawa could eventually let immigration resume at a measured pace once the system was stabilized. The remarks preceded an Oct. 16 announcement by Immigration Minister Lena Diab of new Express Entry points for some permanent-residency applicants in high-wage jobs, plus an LMIA waiver for qualifying offers, effective Nov. 3. Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner opposed moves to raise immigration levels and urged major cuts, arguing that housing, health care and jobs had not kept pace, according to the report.