Close Reading

As a Canada who speaks both French and English and who follows politics quite closely, I have to say that the headline and some of the reporting here is quite misleading. A reduction in immigration has broad support across Canada. I wouldn't say that notion is dividing the country in any significant way. You do have certain industry groups that disagree, but among the population these reductions have broad support. This is a historic change in public opinion in Canada, but it has been driven by the unprecedented increase in immigration under the last term of the Trudeau government. To put this in context, non-permanent residents in Canada numbered around 1.5 million on Q3 2023, but by Q3 2025, that number sat a just over 3 million. The previous government increased immigration targets by 3 or 4 times over what they had been for years, which caused a number of economic issues. Essentially, the volume was simply too high for the economy and society to support. This was unfair to both Canadians and new comers, many of which could not find employment or afford a decent place to live. The changes being suggested are largely bringing Canada back to what the targets were for over a decade before, though a bit lower to account for the sudden surge. Canada remains one of the most pro-immigration countries in the world. However, and this is where I think DW's reporting is misleading, there is a distinction to be made between policies at the federal level and policies at the provincial level. Immigration, per our constitution, is a federal matter, however, Quebec in particular is distinct from other provinces. I don't mean only culturally and linguistically, but also in the powers that have been devolved to it by the federal government. On the question of immigration, Quebec has more powers and more ability to set its immigration targets and programs than any of the other 9 provinces. The particular program discussed here, the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), is a particular immigration stream that only existed in Quebec. So what is happening with that program cannot be labeled as a whole-of-Canada thing. Where the changes to the PEQ are controversial, unlike the general changes at the federal level, is that people who immigrated under that specific program were promised certain things. There was a multi-year time line to Permanent Residency and then Citizenship. Many of those people have been in Quebec for 5-8 years already. However, the changes made to the program were done in such a way where people who many years into the program, had gotten an education, started a career, had children, ect. are now being told they can't continue and must leave Canada. There are even stories of people who married Canadians, now have children, and the one parent who was under this program now faces the possibility of having to leave Canada and be separated from their family. All through no fault of their own. That is what many people see as unfair, and I agree, however limiting future applications under the program, to bring in less people, that is not controversial. Canada has no responsibility to bring in people who are not already in Canada, but Canada does have some responsibility towards people who uprooted their lives to move to Canada and built new lives here based on promises and representations made to them by the Canadian and Quebecois governments. We should no simply kick those people out of the country.

Most of the people don’t realize that Trudeau has helped people and businesses during COVID and avoided millions of deaths unlike US. He did really well curbing the inflation by increasing the interest rates and decreasing it back in time, has been polite to all the haters at the same time and brought enough workers into Canada to prosper the country and businesses on the right path. 2/3rd of the Canadian population disagrees, and that’s sad. God Bless Him Forever.

Trudeau. On CNN giving a speech because no one in Canada cares to listen to him anymore. \nTrudeau, giving a masterclass in pompous posing and self importance in front of the cameras. \nTrudeau, a Zero's Hero! \nTrudeau, the 3 time blackface wearing semi-whiteboy champion of Multiculturism. \nTrudeau- Defender of Woman's rights!!- until you disagree and he throws you under the bus. Trudeau, a man's man! A ham's ham!! He is Justin Trudeau! \nTrudeau is the kind of guy that wakes up the entire family to let them know he's going to bed...

Only thing I disagreed with Trudeau here is that he called the orange buffoon a smart guy.

I'm going to disagree with Trudeau on one critical point, Donald Jackass Trump is NOT a smart man. If he was, this wouldn't even be happening.

I totally disagree with Trudeau. Trump is not a smart guy, he's a moron.

I As an American citizen can only hope that we would have a president in office with the intelligence, compassion and dignity that PM Trudeau has. At this time I am truly ashamed of my country. Especially the ones that put this hateful, revenge seeking, criminal monster in our White House. I stand with you 100% Canada. I also hope that maybe within the next year, trump will be gone. I don't know how or where but just gone. As intelligent as prime minister Trudeau is I have to disagree with one comment he made. trump is NOT a smart man. He is nothing but a 34 count convicted felon, rapist and criminal wannabe dictator. I shudder at the thought of the end of his four year disaster. What will our country do when we have no allies whatsoever. He loves russia and putin, His puppet master. He does not understand that Russia has never been our friend, is not our friend. And never will be our friend. He just loves putin because He wants to be just like him. He is the United States very own Adolf Hitler. Also , I have removed our flag from my front yard that I so proudly displayed my entire life. It will be raised again but only after this nightmare called trump is gone! Please accept the apology from millions of Americans that stand with you. We are truly sorry and we are suffering with you. God help us. And God Bless Canada ❤

Canada, the American people stand with you. Personally I wish that Justin Trudeau was our president! Although I have to disagree with you, Trump is not at all a smart man. In fact he is the exact opposite. He is an imbecile! Undoubtedly, he is the worse thing that has ever happened to to the United States! The people of America needs to get rid of Trump!\n\nBut thank you, Justin Trudeau, for standing up for Canada and all of your reactions is just! Continue to defend your country. You are doing an outstanding job!

President Trudeau, thank you for speaking directly to us. There are many Americans who disagree with him and his administration. We are doing our parts here. \n\nPresident Trump and his MAGA Republicans who sold their souls to aligned with a dictator. \n\nAs for the MAGA supporters, gee thanks.

The only thing I disagree with Trudeau about is,\nNo,Trump is not a smart guy.

I must disagree with PM Trudeau. These tariffs are dumb and yes Donald Trump is a very dumb person and not qualified to represent the USA. Oh before I forget how soon do you think he will drop all sanctions aganist Russia and their dictator.

Justin Trudeau I believe what your saying and I totally disagree in Trumps tariff wars. I am sorry we are here. When Trump asks again about become a state of America tell him to go screw himself.

The only thing I disagree with Prime Minister Trudeau is that the Donald is dumb. Period.

Ohioan here. Mr. Trudeau is such a mature, smart, and reasonable man, and straight to the point. I agree with him on everything except for one thing. He called Donald, smart. I’m sorry Mr. Trudeau, but I must disagree. Donald is not smart. In fact, Donald is not fit to hold office. Donald, must be removed from office along with the rest of his clan.

Let's not forget Trudeau froze the bank accounts of those that disagreed with him on COVID

Prime Minister Trudeau as an American I stand with you! Have to disagree with you about trump, he’s has dumb as a rock!!!

The only thing I disagree with Trudeau about is that Trump is intelligent. Trump is clearly a fool and a coward. Good luck USA. You are going to need it.

I totally disagree with Justin Trudeau that Trump is a smart man. Trump is mentally unstable, cognitively impaired and incompetent. He is not capable or mentally able to do any type of legal transaction

I disagree with Trudeau on one thing only. \n\nTrump isn’t smart. He’s an emotion-ridden, retributive adolescent. Sorry to adolescents generally.

Sorry but I disagree with Trudeau. The word Smart is never associated with Trump. Only words like stupid, dumb, bully, racist and narcissistic described him.

I disagree with PM Trudeau on only one point. Trump is NOT a smart man. There is only one way to understand Trump's recent actions. Trump is a Russian asset. Full Stop.

I would like to hear tRUMPS rebuttal to Trudeau’s speech. How could he disagree with any of these facts?

Bittersweet that we might not have someone as equipped to deal with this trade war soon. overall disagree with trudeau but he’s handled this well

DEAR PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU, I AGREE THAT THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT HAS NOT BEEN FAIR TO ITS ALLIEDS AND TRADING PARTNERS AND THAT WE HAVE TO ACT IMMEDIATELY AGAINST THE UNITED STATES. \n\nI HAVE TO SAY, I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY CANADA OR EUROPE EVER TRUST THE UNITED STATES WITHOUT HAVING SOME CONTINGENCY PLAN, KNOWING THE KIND OF TRAITOROUS MENTALITY AMERICAN GOVERNMENTS HAVE ALWAYS HAD, THEY ONLY CARE ABOUT THEIR POCKETS AND MAKING MONEY AT THE EXPENSE OF THE WEAK AND THE GULLIBLE COMMERCIAL AND POLITICAL PARTNER. \n\nONE THING I DISAGREE....., THAT IS CALLING THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT MURDEROUS, WHEN IN FACT IT WAS NATO AND ITS BRIGHT IDEA OF ANNEXATION OF UKRAINE TO NATO KNOWING THAT THEY WOULD BE BREAKING AGREEMENTS ESTABLISHED DURING THE COLD WAR OF NO PROLIFERATION OF NATO, IN FACT, NATO STARTED BREAKING THAT PACT WHEN IT ANNEXED FINLAND AND ESTONIA. RUSSIA KEPT QUIET, BUT NOW NATO TRIES TO ANNEX UKRAINE, THAT WAS THE LAST STRAW FOR RUSSIA, BESIDES THE BLATAN MISTREATMENT OF RUSSIAN-UKRAINIANS BY THE UKRAINIAN GOVERNMENT. \n\nNATO USES DEMOCRACY AS A PUNCH LINE, WHEN WE ALL KNOW THIS IS A DIRTY WAR FUELLED BY ECONOMIC INTERESTS AND GREED!\n\nMR. PRIME MINISTER, DO YOU KNOW WHO THE MURDERER IS?.....IT'S MR. ZELENSKY WHO HAS ANNIHILATED THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF ITS OWN PEOPLE, UKRAINIANS WHO WERE USED AS CANNON FODDER....AND NATO THE INSTIGATORS OF THIS WAR.\n\nTHE WORLD CANNOT BE THAT BLIND TO NOT SEE IT!!!

Yay Canada! That’s the right response. I just wish Trudeau could say Trump and his dictator ship administration and not the Americans because half of us here hate that man and completely disagree with his policies.

I disagree on one point. Donnie is not a smart man. I realize Trudeau was just being diplomatic though.

Trudeau is being kind. tRump is a stupid, self-centered, vengeful spoiled, immature brat, who wants to punish everyone and anyone who may do as little as disagree with him. He will never apologize or admit he is wrong, but he will be cruel and heartless. We need to shame him and Vance and impeach them and all the MAGAs who support them.

As an American, all I need to know is that trump and VD vance support Vladimir Shitin and Russia. trump chose to break the trade treaty that HE signed and stated recently that it must have been made by a very STUPID President. I couldn't agree more! And Mr. Trudeau, there is one thing with which we disagree. I think trump is a VERY stupid person!

I have to disagree with Trudeau. Trump is NOT a very smart guy.

Even though we as Americans might disagree with President Trump, we have to stand firm on some things here, the way PM Trudeau came on here and reversed this tariffs on the US after all we done with this is still an attack on us, we have to think broader and wider, I am a 22 year retired Navy vet and seen how these countries treat us and we have been taken advantage of, it’s time we stand firm. I love my Canadian brothers and sisters, but this more a government issue here.

Damn as an American that disagrees with many Canadian policies. Somehow I stand with Trudeau right now. Economics 101 tariffs are bad for everybody.

I'm no admirer of Trudeau, but this was a great speech. (Can you imagine Donnie making a coherent speech like this? ?) but I disagree with him on one thing: Donnie is NOT a very smart guy. (Although I know why Trudeau felt he had to say that).

I have to highly disagree with Trudeau, Trump is not a very smart guy.

Long live Tumpsky, Putin's a** licking puppet. I stand with Canada. Picking a fight with the greatest neighbor that we could ever hope to have is nuts. Sorry to disagree with PM Trudeau, but Trump is dumb af and this proves it.

Trump is utter garbage. I respectfully disagree with PM Trudeau, Trump is not a smart guy, he is dumb shit.

A Canadian here who can't agree with the disparaging comments about Trudeau. He has done more good than some earlier Prime Ministers. Enjoying the new free dental coverage he just established? I disagree with him here though when he says Canadians don't hold this tariff thing against Americans. WE DO! You're the ones who elected this wrecking ball who destroys everything (and everyone) he touches. I encourage all our Europeans friends to buy Canadian whenever possible.

I blame the American people who voted for Trump. I am going to disagree with Prime Minister Trudeau when he said Donald is smart, Donald is as stupid as they come. Everything this man touches he ruins. Great job MAGA ????‍♀️

7:50. I have to disagree w M Trudeau and the WSJ. Trump is not smart and this a dumb idea. Trump is dumb and this is a stupid idea. And I find it hilarious the as soon as Trudeau starts speaking French, CNN cuts away.

I disagree that Trudeau called Trump as being smart, far from it.

THANK YOU PM Trudeau! As an American who grew up on the Detroit/Windsor border, I love our Canadian friends. And it hurts my heart to see what’s happening right now between our countries. I HATE this administration. I have never once voted for the man who sits in the Oval Office right now. But I will respectfully disagree on one thing with you - that man is not a very smart guy. Otherwise, if he were - this would not be happening!! Bless you Prime Minister. ??

Preach it brother Trudeau! Not all Americans stand with tRump, vAncy, or mUsty! They could care less about our friends and allies! They care about only themselves, and how much money they can grift from everyone! I disagree with one of your points. He is NOT a smart guy.

I disagree with Trudeau. I dont think Trump is a smart guy! Or maybe the billionaire's wanna crash the stockmarket and buy cheap before removing all tariffs and seeing the market rise again.

Gotta disagree w/ Mr. Trudeau on one point, when he says Trump is 'very smart'--NO. Otherwise, Trudeau's speech was spot-on, and I love and respect Canada even more now. Most of us Americans cannot be proud of our country; we are held captive by a wannabe dictator and his stooges who are self-serving, vindictive, and UNpatriotic! To gather some semblance of sanity, I am taking the family on a Canadian Rockies tour in late spring--am tempted to not return home again.

I'm with Mr. Trudeau on this one. Anybody with at least two brain cells...do you disagree? What the hell is wrong with people that would believe in this scum. How do you know if dump and muskrat really have your back? It sucks to be you. This is almost unbelievable. Pops, sorry, you go for this puke, I'm out and you have nothing to offer me. I don't need anything from you or your business or anything you wanted me to have that has blood money all over it. I'm a child of God's before your sperm donation. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING, DAD. Congratulations on paying more for stock thanks to these idiots. If you are not for me, you ARE against me. I call bullshit on every single MAN on earth, including ME!

I disagree with Trudeau on one point. Trump is NOT a very smart man.

I actually want to disagree with Trudeau on something here.... Donald is not a smart man.

As much as I disagree with most of Trudeau’s domestic politics I must say that this was a good address and seems to be where he is strongest. With that said though I still would not vote liberal in the next election.

I disagree with Trudeau on one thing he said, Donald is not a smart guy.

The only thing I think I'd disagree with here is Trudeau calling Trump a smart man. I know he's trying to appeal to his vanity, but it still feels icky.

Only thing I disagree with president Trudeau is\nDonald is not smart \nEverything he says and does is dumb