The federal government’s decision to slash provincial nominee program (PNP) quotas by 50% for 2025 has drawn sharp criticism from provinces, warning of severe economic impacts. Provinces like Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Yukon highlight labor shortages, reduced economic growth, and limited autonomy as key concerns.
The cuts align with Ottawa’s broader plan to lower immigration targets, reducing annual permanent resident intakes from 485,000 in 2024 to 365,000 by 2027. Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller defended the decision, citing provinces’ reluctance to share responsibility for asylum seekers. However, the move has sparked fears of increased labor gaps, particularly in sectors like healthcare, education, and trades, and is projected to lower Canada’s GDP by 1.7% by 2027, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer.
Provinces argue these reductions fail to account for regional realities, with many relying on PNPs to address critical workforce shortages. The debate highlights tensions over immigration priorities and shared responsibilities between federal and provincial governments.
