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Immigration is a federal responsibility, not provincial and Canada should remain a welcoming country to all immigrants imo, but, if you're here on a work or student visa, newcomers should have to prove employment, training, full-time enrollment, and residency on a quarterly basis. It would drastically limit people becoming ghosts in the system. Refugees and asylum seekers should be allowed 1 appeal only and removed immediately if their claim has been denied. A 90-day grace period should be enacted to get their paperwork and affairs in order. If you're here for a better life, steps should be taken to ensure you're actively trying to accomplish that goal until citizenship is granted. Jmho.

Immigration is not a provincial power, it is the sole responsibility of the federal government. Therefore this referendum is an utter waste of time and money. Danielle Smith deal with the problems of your province such as Education and Healthcare! Stop creating problems!

People complaining do not acknowledge that Canada created a corrupt system where educational institutions made money from foreign students, foreign students in return were happy as long as they got to work. At least they are willing to work and pay taxes. In fact, we should look at the root cause of these problems. It is the colleges making money off these immigrants, it is the corporations who do not want to pay decent living wages to Canadians so they are hiring these immigrants at minimum wage jobs. This is called capitalism where the corporate has to save as much money as possible for their shareholders. So yes immigration is a huge problem but immigrants alone are not at fault. The fault lies with the government (federal, provincial and municipal) and the corporate entities in Canada as well.

As a Canada who speaks both French and English and who follows politics quite closely, I have to say that the headline and some of the reporting here is quite misleading. A reduction in immigration has broad support across Canada. I wouldn't say that notion is dividing the country in any significant way. You do have certain industry groups that disagree, but among the population these reductions have broad support. This is a historic change in public opinion in Canada, but it has been driven by the unprecedented increase in immigration under the last term of the Trudeau government. To put this in context, non-permanent residents in Canada numbered around 1.5 million on Q3 2023, but by Q3 2025, that number sat a just over 3 million. The previous government increased immigration targets by 3 or 4 times over what they had been for years, which caused a number of economic issues. Essentially, the volume was simply too high for the economy and society to support. This was unfair to both Canadians and new comers, many of which could not find employment or afford a decent place to live. The changes being suggested are largely bringing Canada back to what the targets were for over a decade before, though a bit lower to account for the sudden surge. Canada remains one of the most pro-immigration countries in the world. However, and this is where I think DW's reporting is misleading, there is a distinction to be made between policies at the federal level and policies at the provincial level. Immigration, per our constitution, is a federal matter, however, Quebec in particular is distinct from other provinces. I don't mean only culturally and linguistically, but also in the powers that have been devolved to it by the federal government. On the question of immigration, Quebec has more powers and more ability to set its immigration targets and programs than any of the other 9 provinces. The particular program discussed here, the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), is a particular immigration stream that only existed in Quebec. So what is happening with that program cannot be labeled as a whole-of-Canada thing. Where the changes to the PEQ are controversial, unlike the general changes at the federal level, is that people who immigrated under that specific program were promised certain things. There was a multi-year time line to Permanent Residency and then Citizenship. Many of those people have been in Quebec for 5-8 years already. However, the changes made to the program were done in such a way where people who many years into the program, had gotten an education, started a career, had children, ect. are now being told they can't continue and must leave Canada. There are even stories of people who married Canadians, now have children, and the one parent who was under this program now faces the possibility of having to leave Canada and be separated from their family. All through no fault of their own. That is what many people see as unfair, and I agree, however limiting future applications under the program, to bring in less people, that is not controversial. Canada has no responsibility to bring in people who are not already in Canada, but Canada does have some responsibility towards people who uprooted their lives to move to Canada and built new lives here based on promises and representations made to them by the Canadian and Quebecois governments. We should no simply kick those people out of the country.

If they work, file their taxes, don't siphon the system and talk to me in English then I do not care what they do in their own time. On the contrary, I wish them the best. Those who do not contribute to society and merely leech off of it are the true dregs. That applies the same to a white man with needles harassing people under a bridge and a black man in a hoodie and mask robbing a convenience store (non-Indian stereotypes) as it does to any immigrant who hops the border and expects this country to fund their way. That said, there have been far too many immigrants in the last decade, regardless of origin. I've lived in my small town in BC for 37 years and somehow I cannot get a family doctor (I visit all of the local clinics annually and am on the provincial waiting list) while a lot of newer residents seem to have a doctor within months of moving here. I am glad I bought my house when I did, I would not be able to afford one today. I am not against legal immigration, just slow it down so the infrastructure can support it and properly vet those who apply. The system for deportment currently employed in the US is far too hastened and imperfect for my liking but the lack-of-a-system (or heck, acknowledgement) that this is even an issue by the current and previous Canadian governments is equally as concerning (arguably more, other folks can debate the politics of it).

From Canada: Sorry but we did this to ourselves by not growing our economy as we could have done, by not expanding energy and trade, by being led by a non-leader who panders only to the east and disrespects the west, who spends money like it’s on fire. Trudeau could learn so much from Sen Robert Kennedy about spending money that isn’t his to spend… If eastern Canada would respect the wealth we have in the country, in the ground, we would not be in this position. Canada could be one of the wealthiest countries in the world and Canadians could have a very high standard of living. Instead we are stagnant and woke, dying from terrible drug policies and woke law, and bursting with a terrible “look at me, look at how good I am” immigration policy. We have no investment or tourism in BC, no foreign buyers, almost no airbnb, no fruit, soon to be no wine, but at least we have free drugs and 2000 genders, right Provincial NPD? That will help the bank account. And we have no respect for Alberta’s riches that benefit EVERYONE. All the power is centralized in Quebec, with the Bloc not even a federal GD party but somehow allowed to be a federal party, and Ontario and Atlantic Canada just loving a false sense of moral and intellectual superiority, and don’t forget transfer payments. And we have got ourselves into this Liberal government purgatory (thank God the Federal NPD have been decimated over it…at least there is some justice), so that we write cheques to make us feel good and look good despite that we can’t afford it. And we prevent growth and trade to make ourselves feel good and look good even though we can’t afford it. And here we are now, broke a** with no prospects and no savings. Well done Canada and well done Capitano Trudeau.

One can argue that mass immigration from Europe change aboriginal local culture in Canada and now it is changing again due to recent mass immigration so why is this a problem now? People complaining do not acknowledge that Canada created a corrupt system where educational institution made money from foreign students, foreign student in return were happy as long as they got to work (atleast they are willing to work) for money but the moment money is taken away, they feel cheated. These foreign student are not entitle to a PR card when they knowing came to Canada as a students. In fact, we should look at the root cause of these problems. It is the colleges making money off these immigrants, it is the corporate who do not want to pay decent living wages to Canadians so they are hiring these immigrants at a minimum wages jobs. This is called capitalism where the corporate has to save as much money as possible for their share holders. So yes immigration is a huge problems but immigrant alone are not at fault. Fault lies with the government (federal, provincial and municipal) and the corporate entities in Canada as well.

Look at the root cause of these problems. It is the colleges making money off these student immigrants, it is the corporate who do not want to pay decent living wages to Canadians so they are hiring these students at a minimum wages jobs. Let face it it this is capitalism at works where the corporate has to save as much money as possible for share holders. So yes immigration is a huge problems but immigrant alone are not at fault. Fault lies with the government (federal, provincial and municipal) and the corporate entities in Canada as well.

Make no mistake. Canada is not the US or Georgia Meloni's Italy. The sense that the immigration of the last half century has been overwhelmingly positive for the country is widespread outside of a few predictable nativist Anglo enclaves. The key problem is the disconnect between the demands of employers and the labour market situation on one hand, and housing on the other. The national and provincial governments abandoned any involvement in housing beyond zoning issues in the 1970s. The provision of affordable housing can never be done by private developers alone with our subsidies or coordination with the state. There are simply too many problems of market failure. Instead what they can provide is more and more higher-end housing. The national government has never connected the various aspects of immigration so that now Canada's largest cities simply cannot cope with the number of incoming migrants.

Canada used to have a fairly sane immigration policy - immigrants needed to have a level of education and/or skills that would contribute to areas of Canada's economy and growth - skills or education in fields where there was need for people. Part of the problem now is that so many people are allowed in as refugees, with no usable or useful skills. Another part of the problem is that Canada does not have the infrastructure to accommodate so many more people - we should first build the infrastructure, then allow just the number of people we can house and employ. Another policy should be that our local and provincial governments should have decision making authority where immigrants settle. Huge influxes of people into already crowded urban centers makes no sense - immigrants need to be told what areas of Canada they may go to.\n\nNo culture or group can maintain identity and stability if overwhelmed by large numbers of outsiders. We should limit immigration to the number of foreign cultures and languages that can be successfully integrated into our society.

And a 49% increase in violent crime since Trudeau came to power. 2 separate immigration Ministers have had a no holds barred ,open door policy. It's not their problem It's the provincial government problem. In India there is an industry of fleecing people who want to come to Canada The Trudeau government has used this to undermine the stability and piggyback on the new vision of a WEF style of post national states.

This is an unintended consequence of the Canadian federal government screwing up and not coordinating with the provincial governments. I think Mexico lobbied and got visa free travel to Canada. The feds decided to increase immigration but there was a lack of housing plus high inflation, kind of a screw up in my opinion.

* Look at what's happening in Birmingham, UK because it will happen in Canada.\nStop assuming Canada can afford generous welfare, unemployment insurance, pensions and health care plans forever. Canada does not have national daycare or dental programs for all Canadians of all ages. This isn't about historically colonized who. It's about whether or not Canada is heading towards being a 3rd world country right now. Go ahead and have the federal government let in, 5 million people from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Syria and Nigeria. Canada is in a serious recession, and high inflation has forced many Canadian families to turn to foodbanks. Stop assuming you can afford to buy houses that cost $1-$2 millon dollars in the major cities. Stop assuming if you're an international student, that all your problems will be solved if you get Canadian citizenship. Stop assuming you can bring over your spouse and they can get easy work visas and your elderly parents can get easy Canadian pensions. Yes, there are no guarantees in life, but immigration consultants aren't instructing you to be realistic about immigrating to Canada even if you are a nurse, studied in STEMs or structural engineering etc. Alberta could start charging provincial taxes, Quebec could cut off their welfare. And other Canadian cities could stop collecting garbage all the time and not fix their roads because many people can't afford to pay their property taxes due to high employment. The globalists want 15 minutes cities. The federal government is assuming massive immigration will solve Canada's aging population. It won't. Health care is actually better in 2nd and 3rd countries if you have the money. Even if your home country is at war, it's still better than the drug crisis in the major cities of Canada. No joke. Now, does everyone get it? Canada can not afford to pay for any social programs, even with taxing the middle class to death. This isn't about racism or blaming any mirgants it's about corrupt dishonest politicians who will increase the number of children living in poverty. Canada is the worst place to immigrate to! Do proper research!

Stop assuming Canada can afford generous welfare, unemployment insurance, pensions and health care plans forever. Canada does not have national daycare or dental programs for all Canadians of all ages. This isn't about historically colonized who. It's about whether or not Canada is heading towards being a 3rd world country right now. Go ahead and have the federal government let in, 5 million people from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Syria and Nigeria. Canada is in a serious recession, and high inflation has forced many Canadian families to turn to foodbanks. Stop assuming if you're an international student, that all your problems will be solved if you get Canadian citizenship. Stop assuming you can bring over your spouse and they can get easy work visas and your elderly parents can get easy Canadian pensions. Yes, there are no guarantees in life, but immigration consultants aren't instructing you to be realistic about immigrating to Canada even if you are a nurse, studied in STEMs or structural engineering etc. Alberta could start charging provincial taxes, Quebec could cut off their welfare. And other Canadian cities could stop collecting garbage all the time and not fix their roads because many people can't afford to pay their property taxes due to high employment. The globalists want 15 minutes cities. The federal government is assuming massive immigration will solve Canada's aging population. It won't. Health care is actually better in 2nd and 3rd countries if you have the money. Even if your home country is at war, it's still better than the drug crisis in the major cities of Canada. No joke. Now, does everyone get it? Canada can not afford to pay for any social programs, even with taxing the middle class to death. This isn't about racism or blaming any mirgants it's about corrupt dishonest politicians who will increase the number of children living in poverty. Canada is the worst place to immigrate to! Do proper research!

4:54 That's just it. Canada allows a lot of immigration, because there are a lot of entry-level and service jobs that Canadians don't want, or are in a position that they don't have to take them. As I understand it, it all goes back to the province of Quebec. to get Quebec to join Canada, education was made a provincial thing, not a national thing. This means that there is no national education policy in Canada, unlike a lot of comparable nations. This means it is very difficult to plan, and educate the work force to fulfill anticipated needs. The solution? Put it on the list! Immigration Canada has a list of jobs that Canada needs to fill. If you would like to immigrate to Canada, and you have work history or education for something on the list, you're in! This is much easier that investing in Canadians and planning 5-10 years ahead. If we need more nurses...put it on the list! If we need more engineers...put it on the list! If we have too many already...take it off the list. A lot of immigrants are disappointed when they get here, because from the outside, Canada seems great. Yes, it is a very safe country, and has a lot going for it. But people may be surprised to find that they have been allowed into the country, to fill jobs no one else wants. And it's a lot of work to move here from another country, so immigrants tend to get stuck in a bad situation.

Time to stop the rampant immigration now. This is totally causing a heap of problems across a broad spectrum of areas of concern from rental housing, purchasing homes, the loss of farmland, overcrowded hospitals and emergency waiting rooms, the number of vehicles on the roads and highways, and the list goes on. Yes, immigration caps on certain countries would be a good idea. The PEI provincial government should stand their ground and NOT cave in to Communist demands.

As much as I don’t like the guy, it’s misguided saying it’s only Trudeau. Is he the solution? Not likely, but it’s a start. The issue is accountability from the provincial governments who have low voter turnout, and are allergic to investing in diversified transportation or fixing housing, or immigration laws, and taxing rich people more and god forbid they update their labour and health system. So much of these issues were present for years before he was elected, because the country just voted to get out of the recession and cut a ridiculous amount of funding. The Harper years were terrible, people forget that. He wanted to ban abortions. That’s the future his party wants. I think they need a coalition government, badly and to turn it on the provinces to come up with plans before asking for money.

High rent and crime are problems across Canada right now. Larger cities will be more strongly impacted. \nThe root causes are actually quite simple. It's from decades of downloading responsibility for many services until they ended up in the hands of municipalities who had no capacity to fund them, then made 2x worse by the disastrous immigration policy of just the last few years.\nIt explains all three of the problems you identify, unaffordable rent, high crime rate, and underfunded social services.\nSo these are not problems with Toronto, but at the federal and provincial levels. Simply repeating that there are plenty of better options elsewhere doesn't make it true, unless you can give specific examples. Other places likely pay less, require longer commutes, don't offer small size rentals, have even worse social support, similar crime rates, or some combination of all those factors.\nToronto itself isn't as bad as this video makes it out to be. The downtown core skews all the averages, yet all the reporting, b-roll, and examples seen here seem to focus on the core. Of course the reason why it's worse in the core is because so many people want to live there! But I'm not going to concern myself about people who complain that they can't afford to live urban lifestyle, to be a part of 'the scene'. There are plenty of much more affordable options within a 30 minute subway ride of the core. Well inside city limits. But your friends won't think you're cool, so... oh no!\nYes, rents are still too high outside the core, of course. But they aren't as ridiculous as this video suggests. The city is massive. Grow some humility and find a place to that you can afford to live, within Toronto.

Many ways we could go about fixing this crisis. Obviously heavily limiting immigration would help, banning all diploma mills that are just student visa scams. Forcing municipalities to get rid of their awful zoning and restrictive rules, could be streamlined by running a nationwide referendum to make zoning a federal jurisdiction and not provincial/municipal and then just adopt something similar to japanese zoning nationwide. Banning or heavily restricting Airbnbs is an other thing that would help. A lot of what the BC NDP with Eby is doing should be done nationwide for sure. Regarding all the homeless people, we could offer them a job to build infrastructure, houses in exchange for a bed and food, something akin to what was done in the New Deal. Could be a super efficient way to get something like high speed rail built quickly. It'd be a contract they'd sign for 5-10 years and at the end of the deal they get compensation for the work they did. Also not every homeless can live in society. When conservatives got rid of institutions like mental asylums, all the people with non fixable conditions got thrown in the streets. Those are people who just can't, regardless of how much we do to help them, live in society, but their people like us so a modernized, humane version of the mental asylums would help a ton not just for these people, but also their family members who'd know that their kid or sibling is somewhere safe.

This interview completely misses the point by interviewing the “wrong” immigrant. Immigrants to Canada leave for the U.S. because Canada prefers “high value” immigrants (e.g., physicians, engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs with excellent track records, occupations that are expensive to train and/or individually contribute a lot to the GDP) that the U.S. would also like to attract. Not only can many of these people make more money in the U.S., but they often encounter more help and/or less restrictions with professional licenses (e.g., most states have an industrial exemption for engineers, and do a better job at helping foreign doctors and nurses get their licenses to practice medicine). How many times have we heard of a foreign professional reduced to driving a taxi or becoming a housewife when they move to Canada because an immigration official didn’t properly inform the immigrant of the hoops they would have to jump through, and the provincial professional association offered minimal, if any, assistance? \n\nThis PhD student (and others with more academic than lucrative educations) may think he’ll have it made moving to the US but I think he overestimates his value. The small liberal arts colleges that may have hired someone with his background are decreasing in number or changing to a more technical focus (usually to computer science because it doesn’t require expensive labs needed in medicine or engineering). American students are now more critically examining what degrees, if any at all, will lead to better paying careers, and I doubt Myanmar is on their radar as a money-making opportunity.

Nothing about the country inspires loyalty or confidence. The leadership, federal and provincial, is a joke. The nation is comprised of people who want to turn a quick profit, and make their money buying and selling houses: that accounts for 20 FREAKING PERCENT of their GDP. There is nothing for a new citizen to rally around - no seriousness about themselves, no desire to build something big for the future, no sense of identity that does not exist in contradistinction to the US. The only good that has come of this disastrous experiment with immigration is that hardly anyone with any options will ever make the mistake that so many others have.

many problems in Toronto and Canada overall is the high immigration rate hundreds of thousands being added by the Federal Government with no planning by Provincial and Local Governments... it is crazy to bring so many in and not have a real plan to deal with housing and other issues associated with living in Canada today.

I really don't understand why the federal and provincial governments don't really plan immigration better. There is a lot of potential in the smaller cities of Canada and the smaller provinces that need to grow. Why is there a push to expand the bigger cities like Vancouver and Toronto, where services are not meeting the need? Besides, why is it that there is now vetting around immigration the way it used to be? It is both the federal and provincial governments' duty to ensure the availability of housing, health care (including mental health), good jobs BEFORE new immigrants are brought in?