On April 28, 2025, Canadians returned the Liberal Party of Canada to power, continuing its governance — but this time under the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney, a former Bank of Canada Governor and international economist. This marks the first time in modern history that a Canadian Prime Minister has taken office without a background in elected politics.
In his inaugural press conference on May 2, Prime Minister Carney outlined his vision for Canada’s economy, positioning immigration as a key lever for long-term competitiveness and growth.
“We will work to attract the best talent in the world to build our economy. Canada has what everyone wants. We’re a confident nation that celebrates our diversity… that has a vibrant democracy.”
A Strategic Recalibration of Immigration
While reaffirming Canada’s commitment to welcoming international talent, Prime Minister Carney announced plans to cap the number of temporary residents — including foreign workers and international students — at under 5% of the national population by 2027, down from the current 7.3%. The aim is to reduce pressure on housing, infrastructure, and public services while maintaining a strong talent pipeline aligned with Canada’s economic objectives.
For businesses and foreign investors, this signals a more selective, but still opportunity-rich, immigration framework. The federal government is expected to prioritize programs that directly contribute to innovation, competitiveness, and job creation.
Preparing for a Targeted Immigration Environment
Canada’s immigration system is likely to place stronger emphasis on quality of applications, with enhanced scrutiny of program outcomes. For employers, now is the time to align talent strategies with evolving policies, ensure compliance readiness, and assess which immigration programs best support long-term growth.
USILAW: Your Partner in Canadian Commercial Immigration
At USILAW, we specialize in helping companies and investors better understand immigration with precision and foresight. Our tailored services include:
- Temporary foreign worker and executive relocation programs
- Permanent residency solutions under economic streams
- Cross-border compliance and strategic workforce planning
Contact info@usilaw.com to discuss how your business can successfully recruit and relocate global talent under Canada’s new direction.
To view Prime Minister Carney’s full post-election remarks, click here: FULL SPEECH | Carney outlines his government’s priorities
