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Maclean’s 10 Most Popular Immigration Stories of 2024

This year, the Canadian population swelled to 41 million—and then the government slammed the doors shut. Here, our top stories on Canada’s growing pains.

By Maclean’s

December 20, 2024

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After years spent welcoming millions of immigrants to Canada, the Liberal government slammed the doors shut this year as criticism mounted over its lax policies and our dire housing shortage. In July, we published a special issue devoted to Canada’s growing pains, featuring deeply reported stories on the asylum seekers who wind up homeless, the rise of Charlottetown as an immigration hub, and how the government swelled the country’s population to 41 million. We also featured stories from immigrants adjusting to Canada—including some of the 70,000 international students who may face deportation in 2025. Here, our top 10 immigration stories of 2024.

NO. 10

We Came to Canada to Be a Family

As a gay couple in the Philippines, we’d forever have been glorified roommates. Here we have the future we want.

JAIME CONSTANTINO

NO. 9

When Asylum Seekers Have Nowhere To Go

Thousands of refugees live in shelters, hotels and on the streets of Canada’s largest cities. How the country is struggling to cope with a massive surge in global asylum seekers.

JORDAN MICHAEL SMITH

NO. 8

An International Student’s Dilemma

“People blame international students like me for the housing crisis. I’m thinking of leaving.”

HARSHIT MAANN

NO. 7

How Charlottetown Became an Immigration Boom Town

For more than half a decade, Charlottetown has sustained the highest immigration rates in Canada. The influx has saved P.E.I. from demographic oblivion—and made it a case study in the perils of ultra-rapid growth.

BY ALEX CYR
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARREN CALABRESE

NO. 6

These International Students Wanted Citizenship. Canada Killed That Dream.

As Canada tries to staunch an overflow of temporary immigration, tens of thousands of international students and recent grads may be forced to leave the country. Here are their stories.

Interviews by Ali Amad and Alex Cyr

NO. 5

How the New International Student Rules Will Shake Canada’s Colleges

“We could lose $40 million in revenue”

ALI AMAD

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NO. 4

I Moved From India to Alberta to Live the Multigen Lifestyle

“My family bought a house in Edmonton where we could all live together”

Vandita Jain

NO. 3

How We Got to 41 Million

For decades, Canada has been a model of inclusive immigration. But over the last few years, the Liberals have admitted too many people, too fast. Why did no one see it coming?

BY STEPHEN MAHER