Prime Minister Carney Claims Government Has 'Taken Back Control' of Immigration

Prime Minister Mark Carney stated during a press conference in Red Deer, Alta., on Wednesday that his government has "taken back control" of Canada's immigration system. According to reporting from CityNews Toronto, Carney acknowledged that immigration levels were "far too high" when his administration began, noting that Canada had previously "lost control" regarding the intake of temporary workers and foreign students.

To support these claims, Carney cited data showing that the flow of asylum seekers has decreased by one-third. Additionally, the influx of foreign students has dropped by two-thirds, while temporary foreign workers have decreased by one-half. Despite these reductions, Carney noted that overall levels continue to pressure housing, suggesting that "a few more years of restraint" are necessary.

Immigration department data provided via CityNews Toronto shows that between January and May, approximately 78,000 temporary workers and 19,000 study permit holders arrived in Canada. For comparison, the department reported that nearly 209,000 temporary workers and more than 115,000 international students entered the country in 2025.

These federal assertions come as Alberta prepares a referendum to ask citizens if the province should assume more control over immigration. The referendum includes questions on requiring proof of citizenship for provincial elections and restricting access to provincially funded education and health care to citizens, permanent residents, and those with "Alberta-approved" status. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated that the province has roughly 6,400 spots in its provincial nominee program for permanent residency this year, despite approximately 40,000 people seeking that status. Smith argued for more autonomy, citing Quebec's ability to choose about 45,000 of its permanent residents through a separate program.