Sharp Debate Erupts Between Lena Diab and Pierre Poilievre Over Immigration Plan

Canada’s Immigration Minister Lena Diab and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are clashing over the government’s new immigration plan.

In a recently released video, Poilievre claimed that under the new plan, Canada would welcome approximately 200,000 more new permanent residents annually compared to the numbers under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government.

Rejecting his claim, Diab said the 100,000 people being granted permanent residency are not newcomers arriving from abroad. Instead, they are already living and working in Canada and are not taking anything away from anyone.

The immigration minister said these individuals are contributing to the country by working in essential sectors, including schools, hospitals and home construction, while also paying taxes and supporting Canadians.

Taking aim at the Conservative leader, Diab said she was disappointed that Poilievre did not understand the needs of Canada, its workers and its businesses.