Carney says Ottawa will not budge from goal of sustainable immigration levels

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney says Ottawa will “not budge” from its goal of making immigration intake sustainable, adding that the federal government is “getting them to that level now.”

Carney said he has been speaking with the provinces about bringing immigration to “the right levels” and about how newcomers can be distributed most effectively across the country and the economy.

His comments followed a vote by just over one million Albertans in favour of a referendum question calling for greater provincial control over immigration policy to reduce the number of newcomers to “sustainable levels.” About 53 per cent of voters answered yes to the question.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Tuesday that the Liberals had let immigration run “totally out of control.” He said provinces should have more control over immigration numbers because they are responsible for delivering services to newcomers.

Immigration Minister Lena Diab did not answer reporters’ questions as she entered the weekly Liberal caucus meeting. The federal immigration levels are due to be updated by next month.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 21, 2026.