OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the need for a "focused approach" to the temporary foreign worker program. He made these remarks while addressing the Liberal caucus in Edmonton. Carney stated that the government's plans to reduce immigration rates aim to "ease the strain" on housing, infrastructure, and social services.

In a related discussion, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre held a press conference in Brampton, Ontario, where he argued that high immigration levels in recent years have contributed to difficulties for youth in finding jobs and homes. Poilievre has called for the termination of the temporary foreign worker program, asserting that immigrants are not to blame for the current housing and employment challenges. He criticized the government for admitting "too many too fast."

Before Carney's address, former immigration minister Marc Miller responded to Poilievre's comments, suggesting they were intended to incite "anti-immigrant sentiments."

The government has set a goal to reduce the number of non-permanent residents from approximately seven percent of the population to five percent by the end of 2027. This initiative reflects ongoing discussions about immigration policy and its impact on Canadian society.