Inside Canada’s ‘troubling’ shift on migrant, refugee rights | Politics News
Canada Faces Pushback on Immigration Policies Amid Growing Public Discontent
Toronto, Canada — When Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a highly publicized speech at the World Economic Forum earlier this year, many praised his call for “middle powers” to move away from an ineffective U.S.-led international framework. However, Diana Gallego, co-executive director of FCJ Refugee Centre, expressed concern that his rhetoric contrasts sharply with the Canadian government’s increasingly stringent immigration policies.
“We witnessed the prime minister’s compelling message in Davos, urging against emulating our neighbors,” Gallego noted. “Yet domestically, the policies tell a very different story: Canada is closing its doors.”
Gallego is among a growing number of experts—including lawyers, academics, human rights advocates, and former officials—who voice alarm over Canada’s shifting stance on immigration and asylum. As economic and social pressures mount, a long-standing consensus regarding the benefits of immigration appears to be unraveling.
Negative narratives blaming newcomers for Canada’s challenges are on the rise. In response, Carney’s administration has curtailed temporary visas and limited access to asylum. Analysts suggest that the nation is undergoing a significant transformation in its approach to immigration.
“The prevailing sentiment is one of exclusion: ‘We don’t want you here,’” Gallego remarked.
Shift in Public Sentiment
Canada has a history of encouraging immigration, rooted in its identity as a settler-colonial state. From the early 1900s’ European migrations to contemporary asylum and worker programs, newcomers have been integral to the nation’s growth.
In recent years, however, public attitudes toward immigration have shifted dramatically. Accompanying systemic issues—such as a housing shortage, rising grocery prices, and long hospital wait times—this trend has led to a hardening of public sentiment. A 2024 poll revealed that for the first time in decades, a majority of Canadians felt there was “too much immigration.”
The shift has fueled incidents of xenophobic violence in major cities, leading the government to promise reductions in immigration numbers. “The reality is that not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to,” said Marc Miller, the former minister of immigration, reflecting the government’s changing stance.
Legislative Changes
Following its initial uptick in temporary immigration during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government scaled back programs, cancelling thousands of student and work visas. As a result, the number of non-permanent residents dropped by 15 percent from a peak of nearly 3.15 million in October 2024 to approximately 2.67 million by early 2026.
Political leaders, including opposition figures from the Conservative Party, have pointed to immigration as a potential cause for public discontent, advocating cuts to healthcare and modifications to policies, such as “birthright citizenship.” These changes have raised concerns among rights advocates, who argue that linking migration to local economic troubles is misleading.
Allan Rock, a former justice minister, stated, “We’re fostering a narrative that conflates migrants with social problems” instead of addressing prolonged issues in healthcare and education.
Bill C-12 and Further Restrictions
Since taking office in April 2025, Carney has continued the restrictive immigration policies of his predecessor, Justin Trudeau. A recent law, known as Bill C-12, grants the government authority to cancel visas en masse if deemed necessary for the public interest and introduces further restrictions to the asylum process.
Opponents, including legal experts, argue that this legislation will not resolve case backlogs but may instead exacerbate public fears around immigration. Julia Sande of Amnesty International Canada contends that such policies create a harmful public perception of migrants and detract from the real economic challenges many citizens face.
Ongoing Advocacy and Resistance
Despite widespread criticism, support for Carney remains strong among the public. Recent advocacy efforts aimed at amending Bill C-12 have faced significant obstacles, with civil society groups struggling to effect change on the legislative front.
Activists continue to mobilize against the anti-migrant sentiment, urging solidarity and understanding among citizens and newcomers alike. Luisa Ortiz-Garza, a migrant rights organizer, emphasized the importance of unity in facing these challenges. “Our government is pitting citizens against migrants,” she said, highlighting a growing need for dialogue and collaboration.
As Canada confronts complex issues surrounding migration policy, advocates warn that it is “not immune” to backsliding on human rights. They assert that without public accountability, negative trends may persist, affecting all residents, not just those seeking refuge.
