Mark Carney

Canada’s 2026 budget largely maintains immigration targets of 380,000 permanent residents and 370,000 temporary arrivals annually through 2029, despite sharply reduced inflows and slower population growth. Settlement funding will decline, with no new cuts announced. The plan offers 200,000 permanent-residency spaces for temporary residents, drawing praise from businesses but criticism from migrant advocates.

Canada’s proposed Species at Risk Act permitting policy is drawing criticism for potentially weakening protections and enabling harmful projects. Experts fear a new “significance” threshold could overlook cumulative threats, while broader permits may authorize incidental bird deaths. With conservation funding and assessments already lagging, advocates warn the changes could prioritize development over biodiversity and public accountability.