FACT CHECK: Did Justin Trudeau Announce A Three-Year Freeze On Accepting Immigrants Into Canada?

A post shared on Facebook claims Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a three-year freeze on new immigration into Canada. 

Verdict: False

This claim is inaccurate. Canada will be limiting its number of immigrants over the next two years, not putting a freeze on the acceptance of immigrants.

Fact Check: 

President-elect Donald Trump met with Trudeau and expressed dissatisfaction with Canada, saying it “failed the U.S. border,” according to Fox News. Trump suggested that he will impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods if Canada does not improve issues with the border and trade deficit, which Trudeau claimed would “kill” their economy, the outlet reported.

The Facebook post purports Trudeau will “freeze” immigration. The post shows an image of Trudeau smiling with Canadian flags in the background.

Its caption reads, “BREAKING: Justin Trudeau just announced a 3-year freeze on accepting immigrants into Canada. ‘We made some mistakes.’”

The claim is inaccurate. There are no statements to corroborate the claim on Trudeau’s website. (RELATED: Image Claims To Show ‘F*** Trudeau’ Signs At Hockey Game)

Trudeau made a post to X on Oct. 24 explaining that Canada will be reducing the number of immigrants coming into the country, not putting a freeze on accepting immigrants. “We’re going to significantly reduce the number of immigrants coming to Canada for the next two years,” it reads, in part. “This is temporary — to pause our population growth and let our economy catch up.” 

We’re going to significantly reduce the number of immigrants coming to Canada for the next two years. This is temporary — to pause our population growth and let our economy catch up.

We have to get the system working right for all Canadians.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 24, 2024

A press release from the Government of Canada website explains that the country is reducing its permanent resident target. The targets will go from 500,000 permanent residents to 395,000 in 2025, 500,000 to 380,000 in 2026 and the 2027 target will be 365,000.

Check Your Fact reached out to spokespeople for the Canada Border Services Agency and Trudeau for comment.