Immigration will be central to Canada's next election

Significance

With numbers of immigrants rising in recent years, the issue of immigration is now a central issue in national politics. Both the Conservatives and Liberals are adjusting long-held positions on the matter in response to voter concerns about the impact on housing, education and employment.

Impacts

• Immigration will be channeled towards smaller, less-populated cities and regions, to take the strain off large urban centres.
• More provinces, following Quebec’s lead, may begin to agitate for greater control over immigration policy.
• In the medium term, falling immigration levels will put strain on Canada’s tax revenues and pension incomes.