Critics Warn Carney’s Immigration Plan Could Worsen Overcrowding and Affordability Crisis

As Mark Carney prepares to lead Canada’s next government following the Liberal Party’s election victory, concerns are mounting over the future direction of the country’s immigration policy particularly among younger Canadians already grappling with sky-high housing prices and strained public services.

One of the lasting legacies of the Trudeau-era Liberal government was the aggressive expansion of immigration targets. Starting in 2016, the Liberal government steadily raised annual immigration intake goals, moving from 300,000 newcomers in 2017 to well over 400,000 by 2022. Those policies dramatically accelerated population growth, which averaged around 320,000 annually from 2001 to 2015, but soared to 612,000 per year between 2016 and 2023.

Critics argue that the current trajectory is unsustainable.

Carney Expected to Maintain Liberal Trajectory

Although Carney has yet to outline detailed immigration targets, analysts widely expect his administration to maintain or even expand the existing Liberal framework a decision that some economists and demographers warn could exacerbate Canada’s ongoing affordability crisis.

“This is not an anti-immigration position,” said urban economist Marcus LeClerc. “It’s a concern about infrastructure readiness, housing capacity, and the pace of integration. When you double the population growth rate in under a decade, pressure builds especially on young families, renters, and first-time buyers.”

A recent survey by Ipsos found that over 60% of Canadians under the age of 35 believe immigration levels should be reduced until housing and job markets stabilize. That sentiment has intensified in high-growth cities such as Toronto and Vancouver, where rental vacancy rates are below 1% and home ownership remains out of reach for most residents under 40.

Carney Faces Pressure from Both Sides

Proponents of the Liberal approach argue that immigration is essential for Canada’s long-term economic health, particularly as the population ages and the workforce shrinks. Business groups have also applauded high immigration levels, pointing to persistent labor shortages across key sectors like healthcare, construction, and tech.

Still, Carney’s government will likely face growing pressure to recalibrate. “We’re not saying stop immigration — we’re saying match it with real investment in housing, transit, and services,” said Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner. “Otherwise, we risk fueling social frustration and worsening inequality.”

With affordability already shaping up to be the defining issue of Carney’s early tenure, his immigration stance could set the tone for the broader debate about growth, sustainability, and national priorities.