CIMM - Opening Statement - December 4, 2025
Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, ECNS, KC, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration
2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan and Supplementary Estimates (B) 2025–2026
December 4, 2025
479 words (~5 minutes)
Check against delivery
Thank you, Chair.
I’m pleased to be here today to discuss the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, as well as the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2025–2026.
Our Immigration Levels Plan is a plan that restores control, brings immigration back to sustainable levels, and aligns with Canada’s capacity to grow.
Canadians have been clear that welcoming newcomers and celebrating diversity are part of who we are. But they also need an immigration system that strengthens our economy, respects local capacity, and protects those we welcome and integrate.
In recent years, rapid population growth—especially in temporary residents—has put pressure on housing, services, and the systems communities rely on.
Our plan brings immigration back to sustainable, predictable levels. It focuses on the areas where newcomers make the greatest difference: essential jobs, key sectors, and strong, resilient communities.
Over the next three years, permanent resident admissions will stabilize at 380,000 per year. This keeps us on track to maintain permanent resident admissions below 1% of Canada’s population beyond 2027. Nearly two in three newcomers will come through economic programs that target essential jobs and respond to real labour market needs in communities across the country.
Temporary resident arrivals will be reduced to 385,000 in 2026, including 230,000 temporary workers and 155,000 international students. These arrivals will be further reduced in the following two years. This supports our commitment to bring Canada’s temporary population below 5% of the total population by the end of 2027, and allows for sustainable growth for everyone who lives in and comes to this country.
And we will maintain Canada’s humanitarian commitments, welcoming close to 50,000 refugees and protected persons next year.
We’re also reaffirming our commitment to francophone immigration outside Quebec. In 2026, 9% of permanent residents will be French-speaking, keeping us on track to reach 12% by 2029.
We’re introducing a one-time initiative to transition approximately 115,000 protected persons who are already living here and recognized as needing Canada’s protection, accelerating their full integration into Canadian society and giving them a clear path to citizenship.
To retain essential workers, we’ll also prioritize the transition to permanent residence of 33,000 temporary workers who are already living and working here: doctors, nurses, builders, and others that communities rely on every day.
And our new International Talent Attraction Strategy will help employers recruit high-skilled workers faster in key sectors like health care, construction, clean technology, and AI—strengthening Canada’s competitiveness and keeping us a top destination for global talent.
With permanent resident admissions below 1% and the temporary population decreasing to under 5% of our total population by the end of 2027, we’re bringing immigration back in line with Canada’s capacity.
These measures strengthen our economy, protect our capacity to welcome, and rebuild trust in the system.
That’s a plan that works better for newcomers and for Canadians alike.
Thank you. I am happy to take your questions.