In 2024, Canada made headlines across the globe by announcing a significant shift in its immigration policy: a planned reduction of permanent residents from 500,000 in 2024 to 395,000 in 2025, with a further decline to 365,000 by 2026. This marks one of the most aggressive tightening of immigration quotas in recent years. It sparked anxiety among temporary foreign workers, refugee claimants, international students, and undocumented individuals already residing in the country, many of whom lack a clear pathway to legal status. As Canada's birth rate dwindles and its economic reliance on immigration increases, residents and policymakers are left with a fundamental question: can a country that depends on migrants afford to restrict their entry—or worse—ignore the ones already here?

In this episode of Canadian Health Equity, Maggie John sits down with immigration consultant and paralegal Judi Simms and Dr. Paul Caulford, co-founder of the Canadian Centre for Refugee and Immigrant Health Care. Together, they explore the emotional and policy-driven landscape of Canada’s decision to reduce immigration targets, the legal and humanitarian challenges facing undocumented workers, and why ignoring this growing demographic will only deepen the nation’s economic and social fractures.

Whether you’re a policymaker, advocate, immigrant, or simply a concerned citizen, this episode is a powerful listen.

---

This podcast was brought to you by the Canadian Centre for Refugee & Immigrant Healthcare, located in Scarborough, Ontario. This series is produced by Lead Podcasting in partnership with Change Made Studios.

If you like this podcast, please subscribe, share and consider becoming a supporter by donating today: https://healthequity.kindful.com/

For more information on the Canadian Centre for Refugee & Immigrant Healthcare, visit https://www.healthequity.ca