‘I feel sorry for him’: Minister responds to Poilievre’s comments on immigration plan

Summary

• Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab responded to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's criticism regarding a targeted immigration measure announced in this year's budget.
• The initiative will support the transition to permanent residence for up to 100,000 temporary workers & their family members already living & working in Canada during 2027.
• Diab emphasized that the measure is a one-time effort designed to address labor market needs without adding pressure on housing or public services since the workers are already present.
• The 2026 levels plan targets 380,000 permanent residents & 370,000 new temporary residents annually through 2029, including a pledge to make 200,000 long-term temporary residents permanent by the end of next year.
• Half of the 200,000 permanent resident pledge will consist of workers already in Canada, selected in collaboration with provinces & territories.
• Poilievre criticized the plan as "bonkers," claiming it will increase permanent resident arrivals by roughly 200,000 annually compared to the Trudeau era.
• Diab refuted Poilievre's claims by distinguishing between "arrivals" & "admissions," noting the 100,000 targeted individuals are already in the country.
• Diab acknowledged past concerns about overpopulation & stated that immigration numbers have been stabilized in recent years.
• Provinces & territories will receive Provincial Nominee Program allocations to identify & transition eligible workers by the end of March 2027.