On this page you will find:
- Why Mark Carney called a snap election
- Where each party stands on immigration
- How U.S. politics are influencing Canadian voters
- What newcomers need to know about the 2025 election
- Frequently asked questions
On March 23, Prime Minister Mark Carney called a snap federal election, set for April 28. With just over a month to campaign, immigration is shaping up to be one of the most important issues in the race.
Carney recently became leader of the Liberal Party, succeeding Justin Trudeau. Since then – and following the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency – the Liberals have seen a surge in support. Many Canadians are concerned that Canada could also shift toward right-wing populism, and Carney is using that momentum to seek a new mandate.
Immigration has long been a cornerstone of Canada’s growth strategy. The country faces significant labour shortages and an aging population. But rising costs of living, housing pressures, and strained public services have led to a growing public debate about how immigration is managed. One of Carney’s first moves was to remove Marc Miller as Immigration Minister and choose to install Rachel Bendayan. Miller was a key Trudeau ally – and best man at his wedding – making Carney’s move a clear attempt to distance himself from the previous order.
Here’s how Canada’s major political parties compare on immigration policy.
Liberal Party of Canada – Mark Carney
The Liberal government has committed to welcoming 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025. Mark Carney supports this target and is promoting immigration as essential to economic growth and long-term prosperity.
The party’s immigration goals include:
- A strong focus on economic immigrants through Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program
- Easier transitions from temporary to permanent status for workers and international graduates
- Continued support for family reunification and refugee resettlement
- Investment in regional and rural immigration programs
Carney has framed immigration as a national strength and a key part of Canada’s global leadership.
Conservative Party of Canada – Pierre Poilievre
Pierre Poilievre supports skilled immigration but argues that current levels are unsustainable without more housing and infrastructure. The Conservatives say they will protect Canada’s reputation while rebalancing immigration to meet local capacity.
The Conservative approach includes:
- A temporary reduction in immigration levels
- Prioritizing skilled workers and faster credential recognition
- Measures to reduce backlogs and processing delays
- Increased border enforcement and immigration integrity measures
The party supports immigration but believes it must be scaled with services and affordability in mind.
New Democratic Party (NDP) – Jagmeet Singh
The NDP advocates for a fair, inclusive immigration system. Jagmeet Singh has called for reforms that prioritize people over profit and reduce exploitation in temporary labour programs.
NDP priorities include:
- Status for undocumented residents living in Canada
- Ending exploitative temporary foreign worker practices
- Expanding refugee admissions and settlement supports
- Faster family reunification and processing times
The party supports higher levels of permanent immigration and improved pathways to citizenship.
Bloc Québécois – Yves-François Blanchet
The Bloc Québécois argues that Quebec should have full control over immigration decisions. The party says federal targets often ignore Quebec’s unique cultural and linguistic priorities.
Bloc immigration proposals:
- Full immigration jurisdiction for Quebec
- A focus on French-speaking immigrants
- Stable or reduced immigration levels, based on integration capacity
- Stronger French-language requirements for newcomers
The Bloc’s platform is rooted in preserving Quebec identity and autonomy.
Green Party of Canada – Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault
The Green Party supports a rights-based approach to immigration. The party also wants Canada to prepare for the impact of climate change on global migration.
Key Green policies include:
- Recognizing and resettling climate-displaced people
- Ending immigration detention
- Improving access to settlement services and housing
- Simplifying the path to permanent residence for workers and students
The Greens promote a compassionate immigration system that reflects Canada’s global responsibilities.
What This Means for Immigrants
The outcome of the April 28 election could lead to real changes in immigration policy. The Liberals are aiming for stability and economic growth. The Conservatives want a pause and reset. The NDP and Greens call for more fairness and permanent pathways. The Bloc focuses on Quebec’s distinct needs.
Newcomers, applicants, and permanent residents should follow the campaign closely and learn how each party’s position could impact their future in Canada.
Party Immigration Platform Comparison – Canada Federal Election 2025
| Party | Leader | Immigration Levels (2025) | Policy Focus Areas | Key Proposals |
| Liberal | Mark Carney | 395,000 permanent residents | Economic growth, family reunification, regional | Support Express Entry and PNP, ease temp-to-PR transitions, grow regional pilots |
| Conservative | Pierre Poilievre | Temporary reduction proposed | Housing, infrastructure, credential recognition | Reduce targets short-term, enforce system integrity, speed up credentials |
| NDP | Jagmeet Singh | Increase for equity & fairness | Status for undocumented, refugee rights | End temp worker abuse, expand family reunification, regularize status |
| Bloc Québécois | Yves-François Blanchet | Maintain/reduce in Quebec | Quebec autonomy, French integration | Full Quebec control, French-language focus, tailored levels |
| Green Party | May & Pedneault | Supportive, rights-based | Climate migration, fairness, simplified PR access | Recognize climate refugees, end detention, boost settlement services |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mark Carney call a snap election?
Carney recently became Prime Minister after Justin Trudeau stepped down. He’s calling an early election to secure a mandate and take advantage of a surge in public support.
Will immigration levels change after the election?
It depends on the winning party. Liberals and NDP will likely keep or raise targets. Conservatives propose lowering them temporarily. The Bloc wants Quebec to decide independently.
What is the Conservative stance on immigration?
Conservatives support skilled immigration but want a temporary pause in growth to match housing and service capacity. They also prioritize border enforcement and processing reforms.
How does the NDP propose to improve the system?
The NDP wants to give permanent status to undocumented residents, stop worker exploitation, and improve refugee support. They focus on fairness, speed, and long-term settlement.
Does Quebec control its own immigration policy?
Yes, Quebec already has partial control under a federal agreement. The Bloc Québécois wants full authority and emphasizes French language and cultural integration in its policies.
