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Trudeau, Poilievre clash over immigration policy in heated House debate
The debate reflects broader concerns over immigration, housing, and labor markets, leaving affected communities—such as international students—grappling with uncertainty.
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre / File Photo
In a fiery House of Commons exchange, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre sparred over the government’s handling of immigration. The debate followed a viral video in which Trudeau outlined recent reductions in permanent residency admissions and reforms to temporary foreign worker programs, attributing the need for changes to exploitation by “bad actors.”
Poilievre wasted no time pointing fingers, accusing Trudeau of causing the very problems he now claims to address. "Who was the head of the federal government that increased permits for temporary foreign workers by 154 percent ? Who was the head of the federal government that issued 211 percent more licenses for international students and a population growth plan that boosted growth by 300 percent?, he asked, adding, “If he wants to know who the bad actor is who broke the immigration system, why does he not do what he loves to do the most? He should look in the mirror."
Trudeau defended his administration’s policies, explaining that the programs expanded post-pandemic to support an economic rebound. "Canadians and businesses needed extra support, and so asked for more temporary foreign workers, asked for more international students, and we gave them. Our economy grew." However, he admitted, "Looking back... we could have acted quicker and turned off the taps faster."
The debate also touched on alleged abuses of immigration programs. Trudeau accused some universities of using international students as revenue generators and criticized corporations for exploiting foreign worker programs. He emphasized new measures to stabilize population growth and address housing shortages while safeguarding the integrity of immigration channels.
Poilievre, however, remained critical. “Now he is denouncing his entire immigration policy and expecting us to believe he can fix the problems he caused,” he said, contrasting Trudeau’s approach with his own proposal to tie immigration rates to housing and healthcare availability.
With stricter enforcement and policy changes creating uncertainty for international students and immigrants., the exchange reflects broader concerns over housing, labor markets, and the integrity of immigration programs as Canada navigates these contentious issues. Both leaders’ stances highlight the growing complexity and political sensitivity of Canada’s immigration system.
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