Canada announced on Thursday that it will significantly reduce its immigration targets, aiming to “pause population growth” in response to growing public concerns. This marks a notable shift in the country’s immigration policy as the government adapts to increasing pressures on housing and public sentiment.

The Ministry of Immigration stated that the adjustment is intended to achieve more sustainable, well-managed population growth over the long term. “While it’s clear our economy needs newcomers, we see the pressures facing our country, and we must adapt our policies accordingly,” said Immigration Minister Marc Miller in a statement.

One of the main goals of the revised immigration plan is to address Canada’s housing crisis. The rising cost of housing has been consistently ranked by Canadians as a top concern, with many blaming the recent influx of immigrants for exacerbating the issue.

Although immigration has been credited with helping Canada avoid an economic recession following the COVID-19 pandemic, public support for immigration has waned. A survey conducted by the Environics Institute last month found that 58% of Canadians believe the country is accepting too many immigrants, a 14-point increase from the previous year.

This decline in support marks the first time in 25 years that a clear majority of Canadians have expressed concern over the country’s immigration levels.