Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will unveil a significant update to its immigration strategy within weeks, focusing particularly on the country’s temporary resident population.
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In a wide-ranging interview with Red FM, Carney addressed core issues shaping Canada’s future — from immigration and crime to affordability, trade, and the broader economy. The interview, conducted during Diwali, also drew on the festival’s themes of light and hope as the Prime Minister offered a candid look into his government’s priorities.
Diwali Message: Light After Darkness
The conversation opened on a personal note, as host Shameel Jasvir welcomed Carney during Diwali, calling it a “festival of lights and hope.”
“Happy Diwali to everyone listening,” Carney responded. “It’s a time that reminds us, especially after a challenging year, that out of darkness comes light.”
He likened Canada’s current situation to Diwali’s deeper message. “We’ve experienced difficult times, but Canadians are coming together, moving toward the light, and shaping the future with resilience.”
Carney emphasized focusing on what lies within Canada’s control: “We can’t control the U.S., but we can control what happens here — how many homes we build, how we ensure safety in our communities, and how we engage with the world.”
Key Themes and Takeaways
| Topic | Key Statements from PM Carney | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration tightening | Asylum claims down 33%, foreign students down 66%, temporary foreign workers down over 70% | Past 6 months |
| New immigration plan | “Our next immigration levels plan will be released in 2–3 weeks.” | By November 1, 2025 |
| Crime and extortion | Bishnoi gang designated as terrorist group; tougher bail laws; 1,000 new RCMP, 1,000 border agents | Immediate & ongoing |
| Trade with U.S. | “85% of trade is already tariff-free. My job is to secure the best possible deal for Canadians.” | Ongoing |
| China relations | Dialogue restarted; potential meeting with Chinese President | In progress |
| Affordability | Carbon-tax and income-tax cuts; 65,000 affordable homes at Downsview | Current & planned |
| Budget reforms | Efficiency push; eliminate duplication, support housing, energy, trade | Within a few weeks |
| Economic outlook | “Canada projected to have second-fastest G7 growth; wages now outpacing inflation.” | Present–2026 |
| Youth & jobs | “Budget will create hundreds of thousands of skilled, high-paying jobs.” | 2 weeks |
Immigration Enforcement and Public Safety
When asked about public safety and immigration loopholes, Carney acknowledged rising concerns, particularly around extortion gangs and illegal entry through visa programs.
“We’ve taken concrete action,” he said, citing the listing of the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization. “That gives law enforcement broader powers.”
He pointed to recent results:
- Asylum claims are down 33%
- Foreign student visas have dropped by 66%
- Temporary foreign worker entries have fallen by more than 70%
Carney emphasized a balance between enforcement and support. “For those contributing to society, we’ll improve pathways to stay. But for those here under false pretenses, we will track and remove them.”
He also announced upcoming legislative changes, including stricter bail rules for gang-related, firearm, and violent offenses. “No longer will bail be assumed—you’ll have to prove you deserve it.”
Boosting Border Security
To combat criminal activity and trafficking at the border, Carney confirmed:
- 1,000 additional RCMP officers
- 1,000 new border agents
“We’re tightening our southern border, where many firearms and illicit drugs enter. Coordination across federal, provincial, and municipal levels is key—and it’s already underway.”
Out-of-Status Residents & the Upcoming Immigration Plan
Carney responded to concerns about potentially millions of residents falling out of legal status in the coming years.
“This used to be about 3% of the population; it recently surged to 7.5%. That’s a major shift,” he explained.
The government’s twofold goal:
- Integrate those contributing to the country’s growth
- Ensure swift removal for those who are ineligible to stay
He confirmed more details are coming in early November as part of the new Immigration Levels Plan.
Trade Policy: Tariffs, the U.S., and China
Shifting to trade, Carney highlighted the importance of fair access to global markets while reinforcing domestic capacity.
“85% of our trade with the U.S. is tariff-free, and our average tariff is just over 5%—compared to a global average of 17%.”
When asked about Chinese electric vehicles, Carney stressed the need for a balanced approach. “It’s about protecting our auto sector from U.S. pressures while also opening new opportunities with China.”
He confirmed that Canada is re-engaging in diplomatic and trade discussions with China, noting recent meetings and ongoing dialogues at the ministerial level.
Tackling Affordability and the Cost of Living
Affordability remains one of the government’s top priorities, Carney said.
Key measures already implemented:
- Carbon tax cut
- Income tax cut for 22 million Canadians
- GST removed on new homes for first-time buyers
- Affordable housing: 65,000 new units at Downsview
- Child care worth $5,800 per child in Ontario
- Expanded access to dental and pharmacare
“We’re also working to reduce everyday costs—from broadband bills to grocery prices—and expanding access to key services.”
He added that the upcoming federal budget will introduce spending cuts and remove program duplication, redirecting funds to core priorities like housing and energy infrastructure.
Economic Forecast: Signs of Recovery
On Canada’s economic future, Carney was cautiously optimistic.
“We’ve endured a historic economic shock, largely due to global conditions, but our fundamentals are sound.”
Highlights:
- IMF projects Canada will be the G7’s second-fastest-growing economy
- Wages are now growing faster than inflation
- Job growth continues, even amid global uncertainty
The Prime Minister stressed that the upcoming budget will be “generational,” focused on building a more self-reliant, resilient economy.
“We’re going to create hundreds of thousands of high-paying, high-skilled jobs, especially for younger Canadians and those entering the trades.”
Closing Message: Hope, Resilience, and Community
In his final remarks, Carney returned to Diwali’s theme of hope, referencing Leonard Cohen’s famous line: “There’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”
“That’s Canada’s story right now,” he said. “We’ve seen the cracks. But this country, with its values of care, ambition, and community, is finding the light and moving toward it — together.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s changing with temporary residents?
Numbers have already dropped significantly. Expect stricter entry criteria and clearer pathways for skilled workers in November’s Immigration Levels Plan.
Will there be new PR pathways for temporary residents?
Not confirmed, but highly likely for those filling key labour gaps.
What about those out of status or at risk of losing it?
Those contributing to Canada may receive support. Those ineligible may face removal under expedited processing.
How is crime being tackled?
Stricter bail laws, 2,000 new enforcement officers, and designation of criminal groups like the Bishnoi gang as terrorist entities.
What’s being done to ease cost-of-living pressures?
Tax cuts, more affordable housing, enhanced child care, and reforms to telecom and grocery sectors.
When is the new immigration plan coming?
Expected by early November 2025 — within 2–3 weeks of the interview.
How is Canada handling trade tensions with the U.S. and China?
Maintaining low U.S. tariffs while restarting strategic economic dialogue with China.
What’s Canada’s economic outlook?
Positive: job growth, rising wages, and projected strong GDP growth over the next two years.
What’s the Carney doctrine?
A renewed focus on discipline, fairness, and opportunity — making Canada safer, more affordable, and economically independent.
