Canada Cuts Temporary Resident Targets in 2026–2028 Immigration Plan

Canada’s federal government has announced a significant reduction in the number of temporary residents it plans to admit over the next three years. The move forms part of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan released alongside the 2025 federal budget. The government says the change aims to bring immigration to more “sustainable levels.”

Under the new plan, Canada will admit 385,000 temporary residents in 2026, a drop of about 43 per cent compared to 2025 levels. The target will decline further to 370,000 in both 2027 and 2028. These temporary residents include workers and international students entering the country under various permit programs.

In contrast, Canada’s temporary resident intake was much higher in 2025, with more than 673,000 temporary residents welcomed. The sharp reduction reflects concerns that rapid growth placed pressure on housing, healthcare, education, and other public services.

Reason for the Shift

The government says these new targets are part of a plan to keep temporary residents at less than five per cent of the total population by the end of 2027. Officials argue the previous pace put strain on infrastructure and community services. They also aim to transition qualifying temporary workers to permanent residency through targeted initiatives.

Finance Minister François‑Philippe Champagne and Prime Minister Mark Carney have both stated that Canada must balance growth with its ability to support newcomers. They said citizens expect a well‑managed immigration system that matches capacity with economic and social needs.

Impact on Workers and Students

The reduction affects both temporary foreign workers and international students. For 2026, new work permits are projected at about 230,000, while study permits are expected to total around 155,000. These figures are significantly lower than recent years.

Supporters of the new plan say it allows Canada to better integrate newcomers and focus on quality of settlement. Critics argue that steeper cuts could challenge sectors that depend on temporary workers, such as healthcare, hospitality, and agriculture.

Looking Ahead

Canada will continue to admit temporary residents but at reduced levels in 2026–2028. Policymakers will assess how these changes affect the economy, labour market needs, and demographic trends across the country.

Kerala Priest Arrested in Canada Over Sexual Assault Charges

A Catholic priest from Kerala has been arrested in Canada on charges of sexual assault and sexual interference. Peel Regional Police charged him on December 18, 2025 after an investigation into alleged misconduct. Sexual interference under Canadian law refers to crimes involving children under 16 years. The charges have shocked both the local community in Canada and church followers in Kerala.

The priest has been identified as Father James Cherickal, a member of the Syro‑Malabar Church. He is in his 60s and originally hails from Kerala’s diocese of Thamarassery. Cherickal served in Canada for nearly three decades, working in several parishes under the Archdiocese of Toronto, most recently as pastor at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in Brampton.

Removed From Ministry and Mass Cancellations

Following the arrest, the Archdiocese of Toronto removed Father Cherickal from pastoral duties. Church officials stated they treat all accusations seriously and follow established protocols. They also emphasized that Cherickal is presumed innocent until proven guilty and is entitled to due process in Canada’s legal system.

The arrest prompted St. Jerome’s Catholic Church to cancel Holy Mass from December 25 to January 3, disrupting services during a key holiday period. Parishioners expressed shock and concern over the allegations and the sudden change.

Long Service and Broader Church Context

Father Cherickal began serving under the Archdiocese of Toronto in 1997, moving to St. Jerome’s Church last year. He also worked with the Syro‑Malabar mission for Catholic migrants from Kerala living in Canada. Many priests from Kerala serve in foreign parishes to support growing communities abroad.

The Syro‑Malabar Church is the most prominent Catholic segment in Kerala and one of the 23 Oriental Catholic Churches under the Roman Catholic Church. Cherickal’s long tenure in Canada made him a familiar figure to many members of the local community.

Legal Proceedings Ahead

Police have not released further details to protect the ongoing investigation. Father Cherickal now faces the Canadian legal process, where the case will proceed through the courts. Cases involving clergy and serious allegations often draw wider attention and scrutiny, both within church institutions and the public.

Deportations Reach a Ten-Year High

Canada is now deporting nearly 400 people every week. This marks the fastest pace in more than a decade.

Federal enforcement agencies have increased removals across the country. The rise reflects tighter immigration enforcement and faster processing of removal orders.

Who Is Being Deported

Most deportations involve people with rejected refugee claims. Others include temporary residents who overstayed visas or violated permit conditions.

Some removals involve criminal inadmissibility. Authorities classify deportations under legal categories set by immigration law.

Why Deportations Are Increasing

The federal government has introduced stricter immigration controls. Officials aim to reduce backlogs in the asylum system.

New policies focus on quicker decisions and faster removals. Border agencies now act sooner once legal options end.

Authorities say these steps protect the immigration system’s integrity. They also aim to deter misuse of refugee pathways.

Where Deportations Are Highest

Provinces with high immigrant populations see the most removals. Ontario and Quebec report the largest numbers.

These provinces receive the highest number of asylum seekers. Enforcement activity remains higher in major urban centres.

Impact on Families and Communities

The increase in deportations affects families across Canada. Some individuals have lived in the country for many years.

Advocacy groups warn of family separation risks. They also raise concerns about humanitarian considerations.

Community organizations report rising anxiety among migrant groups. Many fear sudden enforcement actions.

Government Response and Justification

Federal officials defend the rise in deportations. They say enforcement ensures fairness in the immigration system.

Authorities argue that approved applicants should not face delays due to unresolved cases. Faster removals help reduce strain on housing and services.

What Comes Next

Immigration enforcement is expected to remain strict. Deportation numbers may stay high in the coming months.

Experts say future policy decisions will shape long-term trends. Public debate over enforcement and compassion continues.

Canada now faces pressure to balance border control with humanitarian responsibility.

Why Canada Is No Longer the Top Choice for Indian-International Students

For years, Canada ranked as the most preferred destination for Indian students. Quality education, work permits, and permanent residency options drove this demand.

However, recent immigration changes have altered student perceptions. Many Indian students now explore other countries before choosing Canada.

Immigration Policy Changes Create Barriers

Canada introduced major immigration reforms in 2024 and 2025. Authorities placed a cap on international study permits. This decision reduced the number of available seats.

Officials also raised financial proof requirements. Many students struggle to meet the higher cost threshold. Visa rejection rates have increased as a result.

The removal of the fast-track Student Direct Stream added delays. Students now wait longer for approvals.

Work Permit Rules Tighten After Graduation

Post-Graduation Work Permit rules have become stricter. Not all academic programs qualify anymore. Language requirements have also increased.

These changes reduce job opportunities after graduation. Many students feel uncertain about gaining Canadian work experience.

Delays in work permit renewals add stress. Graduates face gaps in employment and income.

Permanent Residency Pathways Slow Down

Permanent residency once attracted many Indian students to Canada. Recent policy changes slowed processing timelines across several PR streams.

Students now wait longer for decisions. Uncertainty around eligibility discourages long-term planning.

Clear settlement pathways matter greatly to international students. Canada’s unpredictability has weakened its appeal.

Rising Costs Add Financial Pressure

Living expenses in Canada continue to rise. Housing shortages affect major student cities. Rent prices have increased sharply.

Tuition fees have also climbed in many institutions. Students now calculate return on investment more carefully.

Other Countries Gain Popularity

Countries like Australia, Germany, Ireland, and the UAE attract more Indian students. These destinations offer clearer visa rules and stable work options.

Affordable education and predictable immigration systems make them strong alternatives.

What This Shift Means

Canada still offers strong education quality. However, stricter rules and uncertainty reduce its advantage.

Indian students now choose destinations that balance education, affordability, and long-term stability.

The Consulate General of India in Toronto has opened a dedicated support centre for Indian women in distress. The move comes days after the murder of a 30-year-old Indian woman in Toronto.

The decision aims to strengthen safety support for Indian nationals living in Canada. Officials say the centre will act as a single point of help for women facing crisis situations.

One Stop Centre for Women Launched

The facility is called the One Stop Centre for Women. It operates from the Indian consulate in Toronto.

The centre supports Indian passport holders facing domestic violence, abuse, family conflict, or abandonment. It also assists women dealing with exploitation or legal challenges.

Officials say the centre will provide confidential and timely assistance.

24×7 Helpline and Emergency Assistance

The centre runs a 24×7 helpline for women seeking immediate help. Trained staff respond to distress calls without delay.

Women can access counselling and emotional support through the helpline. The centre also offers psycho-social assistance for trauma survivors.

Officials said quick response remains the top priority.

Legal Guidance and Community Support

The centre provides basic legal guidance within Canadian law. It helps women understand their rights and available options.

Staff also connect women with local community organizations and social services. These services include shelters, healthcare access, and emergency aid.

Financial assistance is available on a means-tested basis, as per Indian government guidelines.

Dedicated Administrator for Women’s Safety

A woman Centre Administrator manages daily operations. She oversees helpline responses and coordinates support services.

The administrator ensures every case receives respectful and dignified handling. Officials said privacy and safety remain central to the centre’s work.

Response to Recent Tragedy

The centre’s launch followed the killing of Himanshi Khurana, an Indian woman living in Toronto. Police found her body inside a residence after a missing person report.

Canadian authorities identified her partner as the main suspect. A nationwide warrant was issued during the investigation.

The Indian consulate expressed deep condolences to the victim’s family.

Strengthening Support for Indians Abroad

Officials say the centre strengthens India’s commitment to citizen welfare overseas. It adds to existing consular services offered in Canada.

The initiative aims to ensure Indian women abroad receive timely help and protection during emergencies.

Canada’s Health Minister Questions U.S. Health Reliability

Canada’s Health Minister, Marjorie Michel, says the country can no longer rely on U.S. health institutions for trusted information.

Michel spoke in a year‑end interview about the evolving landscape of health science in North America. She said Canada must look to more trustworthy scientific partners.

She noted that Canada has long used U.S. health data and science as a reference. But those days are now over, she said.

Concerns Over Vaccine Information and Policy

Michel pointed to issues with vaccine information coming from U.S. institutions. She said recent changes in U.S. health agencies have raised serious concerns.

She emphasized that Canada will make its own decisions on vaccines and other public health matters.

The minister said Canada still watches developments in the U.S., but not as a primary source. Instead, it will work with partners that follow established science.

Changes in U.S. Health Leadership and Policies

The comments come amid shifts in U.S. public health leadership and policy. Canadian officials have noted changes in how some health agencies in the U.S. operate.

Cuts to budgets and adjustments to vaccine schedules have worried health experts in Canada. These changes have, at times, contradicted widely accepted scientific views.

Impact of Misinformation and Disease Outbreaks

Canadian researchers have also warned about the rising influence of health misinformation in the U.S. This trend has made cross‑border information sharing less reliable.

The minister highlighted recent outbreaks of communicable diseases, including measles, as evidence that relying solely on external sources is no longer sensible.

She called for stronger domestic and international partnerships built on scientific integrity and trust.

Building Trust in Canadian Health Science

Michel said Canadian health leaders must work together to build back public trust in science. She noted that all provinces agreed this year to prioritize vaccination and public health coordination.

The minister hopes Canada will soon have more reliable global health partners and reduce dependence on any single foreign institution.

Canada has announced it will end the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program in September 2026. The decision will change how U.S. travelers enter Canada through remote northern regions.

The RABC program has allowed pre-approved American and Canadian travelers to cross into isolated border areas without stopping at a staffed checkpoint. Many visitors used it in northern Ontario and parts of Manitoba for years.

Shift to Mandatory Reporting

Starting September 14, 2026, Canada will replace the permit system with mandatory reporting rules. Travelers must report their entry to the Canada Border Services Agency immediately after crossing.

Visitors will need to call a designated reporting center or report in person at a staffed border location. The permit-based system will no longer apply.

Officials say the change will improve border security and entry tracking. The government also wants consistent rules across all border areas, including remote zones.

Areas Most Affected

The decision impacts crossings in regions such as the Northwest Angle, Lake of the Woods, Lake Superior’s Canadian shore, Sault Ste. Marie upper locks, and Cockburn Island.

These areas attract anglers, campers, paddlers, and families who regularly cross the border for short visits.

Around 11,000 travelers use RABC permits each year, according to official estimates. Most permit holders come from the United States.

Validity of Existing Permits

Current RABC permits will remain valid until September 13, 2026. Travelers can continue using them until the program officially ends.

Authorities say this transition period gives travelers enough time to adjust to the new rules.

Concerns From Communities

Some U.S. lawmakers and border communities have raised concerns about tourism losses. Small businesses depend on cross-border visitors in these regions.

Canadian officials say security and accountability must come first. They believe mandatory reporting will improve safety for travelers and border communities.

What Travelers Should Do Next

Travelers should prepare for the new reporting requirements well before 2026. They should stay informed about reporting locations and phone procedures.

Failing to report entry may result in penalties under Canadian border laws. Planning ahead will help ensure smooth and lawful travel.

Santa Cleared for Christmas Eve Travel in Canadian Airspace

The federal Minister of Transport has officially cleared Santa Claus to travel in Canadian airspace this Christmas Eve.

Each year, Transport Canada releases a seasonal video granting Santa permission to deliver presents across the country.

This year’s message included Prime Minister Mark Carney for the first time.

Festive Video Highlights Safety and Tradition

In the video, Prime Minister Carney calls the Transport Minister about an “unidentified object” on radar.

The minister then speaks with Santa Claus and confirms his clearance to continue his journey.

Santa was reminded to stay on his flight path and take good care of his reindeer.

The playful clip has become a holiday tradition that many Canadians enjoy each Christmas Eve.

NORAD and Santa Tracking Continues

Meanwhile, NORAD continues to track Santa’s worldwide flight as he travels across the globe.

NORAD began tracking Santa from the North Pole on December 24th and updates his position throughout the night.

Children and families can use the NORAD Santa Tracker to see where Santa is and follow his route in real time.

NORAD uses radar, satellites, and other technology to track the sleigh as it moves over each continent.

Holiday Spirit Across Canada

The announcement brings holiday cheer to many Canadians, especially families with young children.

Officials say the post is meant to celebrate the season and engage the public in a fun tradition.

Transport Canada emphasizes that the annual message is symbolic but widely enjoyed across the country.

Santa’s clearance now ensures he is “officially” welcome to deliver gifts from coast to coast to coast.