Last Updated On 15 December 2025, 10:03 AM EST (Toronto Time)
In the crisp winter air of Calgary, Alberta, a small group of Canadian nationalists gathered on December 14, 2025, to voice their concerns about the nation’s immigration policies.
Draping a bold “Remigration Now” banner over an overpass on the bustling Deerfoot Highway, the demonstrators called for not just halting but reversing recent immigration trends.
This event, organized by the Dominion Society of Canada, drew attention despite its limited scale—far from the massive crowds seen in other protests, with only a handful of participants visible in footage shared across social media.
While the rally itself was not a large gathering, it has ignited discussions online and in policy circles about the sustainability of the Canadian immigration system, national identity, and the rise of nationalist sentiments.
Proponents argue it’s a call for self-respect and security, while critics label it as divisive rhetoric rooted in far-right ideologies.
In this in-depth exploration, we’ll unpack the rally’s details, the concept of “remigration,” its criticisms, and why immigration remains a cornerstone of Canada’s prosperity.
This article delves into the facts, expert insights, and broader implications to provide a balanced view.
Table of Contents
The “Remigration Now” Rally: What Happened on Deerfoot Highway
On a chilly weekend afternoon, members of the Dominion Society of Canada positioned themselves on an overpass overlooking Deerfoot Trail.
The group’s banner, reading “Remigration Now,” was prominently displayed, aiming to catch the eyes of thousands of passing motorists.
According to on-the-ground reports and exclusive footage from independent journalist Mocha Bezirgan, the demonstration was peaceful and focused on advocating for stricter immigration enforcement.
Greg Wycliffe, a board member of the organization, spoke candidly in interviews, emphasizing that the current immigration levels are “not sustainable” and pose a threat to national security.
“People try to call us radicals, but our existing immigration policy is radical,” Wycliffe stated in a video shared on X.
He pointed to millions of expiring visas, arguing that without proper enforcement, immigrants treat Canada like a “bus stop” or “all-inclusive hotel.”
The group, describing itself as a vanguard for Canadian nationalism, called for recalibrating the points-based immigration system to prioritize self-respect and protect social services from exploitation.
Visuals from the event, including short clips posted by participants, show a modest turnout—perhaps a dozen or so individuals waving flags and holding signs.
The focus was on visibility, with the banner serving as a symbolic gesture to spark public discourse.
This wasn’t the Dominion Society’s first action, but it marked their debut in Alberta, building on similar efforts elsewhere in Canada.
The timing aligns with recent federal announcements, including a 53% drop in new foreign students and temporary workers in the first nine months of 2025, as reported by immigration authorities.
Yet, the rally’s organizers argue these changes don’t go far enough, advocating for “reversing the flow” of immigration.
Understanding Remigration Concept
The term “remigration” has gained traction in nationalist circles, referring to policies that encourage or mandate the return of immigrants to their countries of origin.
It’s distinct from deportation, which targets illegal entrants, as it often encompasses legal immigrants deemed to strain resources or dilute cultural identity.
In the Canadian context, advocates like those at the Calgary rally frame it as a necessary correction to what they see as unchecked growth.
The Canadian immigration history is one of expansion. From the post-World War II era to today, the country has welcomed millions, building a multicultural mosaic.
However, recent surges in immigration have fueled debates about housing, healthcare, and economic impacts.
Remigration proponents claim statistics like “6.5 million Canadians without family doctors and skyrocketing rents” as evidence of overload.
Globally, remigration echoes movements in Europe, where figures like Martin Sellner of Austria’s Identitarian Movement have popularized it.
In a Canadian context, it’s linked to concerns over temporary foreign workers, student visas, and refugee claims.
For instance, over a dozen Indian nationals suspected in British Columbia’s extortion cases are using refugee status to avoid deportation, highlighting perceived loopholes.
But is remigration feasible? Experts say implementing it would require massive legal overhauls, potentially violating international treaties like the UN Convention on Refugees.
Logistically, reversing millions of visas could cost billions and disrupt industries reliant on immigrant labour, from agriculture to tech.
Criticism as a Far-Right Agenda
While the Calgary rally’s participants reject labels of extremism, critics have always argued that remigration is inherently tied to far-right ideologies.
The concept often originates from groups promoting ethno-nationalism, which prioritizes a homogeneous cultural or racial identity over multiculturalism.
In Europe, it’s associated with parties like Germany’s AfD or France’s National Rally, accused of xenophobia and anti-immigrant bias.
In Canada, the Dominion Society’s rhetoric focuses on “preserving the distinct Canadian nation.”
They point to overlaps with white nationalist themes, where “remigration” serves as a euphemism for mass deportations targeting non-European immigrants.
“It’s not about policy; it’s about exclusion,” says a spokesperson from the network, noting how such movements exploit economic anxieties to push divisive agendas.
The small scale of the Calgary event underscores this: Far from a grassroots uprising, it appears driven by a niche group.
Posts on X reveal supporters echoing anti-globalist sentiments, with one user stating, “Remigration is the only answer” to perceived replacement theories.
These echo conspiracy-laden narratives popular in far-right online spaces, criticized for stoking fear rather than fostering solutions.
Moreover, this concept ignores the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which protects against discrimination.
Implementing it could lead to human rights abuses, family separations, and international backlash.
Former Immigration Minister Marc Miller has accused similar views of rallying “anti-immigrant” sentiments, as seen in political discourse.
Critics argue it’s a reactionary pushback against progress, masking prejudice under the guise of patriotism.
The Importance of Immigration for Canada
Despite the rally’s calls for reversal, immigration remains essential to Canada’s growth and identity.
As a nation built by waves of newcomers—from European settlers to post-1960s multicultural policies—immigration drives economic vitality, innovation, and demographic stability.
Economically, immigrants fill labour gaps in key sectors. In 2025, despite curbs, they contributed to a rebounding economy, with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) noting easing rent growth due to balanced inflows.
Statistics Canada reports that immigrants start businesses at higher rates, boosting GDP.
For instance, in tech hubs like Toronto and Vancouver, foreign talent powers startups, while in agriculture, temporary workers ensure food security.
Demographically, Canada faces an aging population and declining birth rate.
Without immigration, the workforce would shrink, straining pensions and healthcare.
By 2030, projections show immigrants accounting for all net labour force growth.
The points system, praised globally, selects skilled individuals who integrate successfully, with 80% becoming citizens within a decade.
Culturally, immigration enriches the Canadian society. From festivals to cuisine, it fosters diversity, as seen in Bill C-3, which expands citizenship to those with Canadian ties, potentially benefiting thousands.
Stories like that of a Hamilton newcomer mother highlight resilience amid challenges, underscoring immigrants’ contributions to community building.
Socially, immigration addresses humanitarian needs. Canada resettles refugees, upholding its global reputation.
Recent policies, like lower permanent resident targets (380,000 annually from 2026), show responsiveness without abandoning values.
Ignoring these benefits in favour of remigration risks economic stagnation and isolation.
Public Reactions and Broader Context
The rally sparked mixed reactions on X. Supporters praised it as a wake-up call, while detractors called it divisive.
One user noted Alberta’s “Alberta is Calling” campaign invited immigrants, blaming infrastructure lags on provincial policies.
One of the supporting users praised the gathering, saying, “hero’s are the ones that wake up first to wake up the others.”
One X user commented, “Remigration is for those arrived when ? 2005 and after? Some first Nations are interested to go a bit older than that.”
Another X user said, “What are those flags? This is Alberta, not a spinoff of the British realm! We are working for our independence from it.”
In favour of the rally, an X user said, “Need way more cuts to work and study permits & visas & a lower cap on temporary residents and make them leave.”
In context, the Canadian immigration dipped in 2025, reflecting adjustments amid pressures.
This remigration rally, though small, reflects deeper tensions in Canada’s immigration landscape.
While concerns about sustainability are valid, framing solutions through remigration—a concept critiqued as far-right—risks polarizing society.
Instead, emphasizing immigration’s importance—economic, demographic, and cultural—offers a path forward.
As debates evolve, Canada must prioritize inclusive policies that honour its multicultural heritage while addressing real challenges.
This event may not have drawn crowds, but it underscores the need for constructive dialogue to ensure the True North remains strong and free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Canada’s target for permanent resident admissions in 2025, and how does it compare to future years?
According to IRCC’s Immigration Levels Plan, the target for permanent residents in 2025 is 395,000. This is higher than the stabilized targets for 2026-2028, which are set at 380,000 annually to address housing and infrastructure pressures. The breakdown for 2026 includes approximately 63% economic immigrants, 22% family class, and 15% humanitarian (including refugees and protected persons). In 2024, Canada welcomed 483,640 permanent residents, exceeding previous targets. And all these numbers include temporary residents in Canada transitioning to permanent residency.
What are the top source countries for new permanent residents in Canada?
Based on IRCC data for 2024 and the first half of 2025, the top source countries remain consistent. In 2024, the leading countries were India (largest share), followed by the Philippines, China, Nigeria, and others like Cameroon and the United States. In the first half of 2025, India accounted for 59,260 new permanent residents, with the Philippines (around 20,645 in similar periods) and China (19,055) following closely. These statistics highlight Asia’s dominance in economic immigration streams.
How many temporary foreign workers are currently in Canada, and what are the recent trends?
As of September 30, 2025, approximately 1,494,900 individuals hold only a work permit in Canada, according to IRCC open data. In 2024, IRCC issued permits to about 1.6 million temporary residents overall, including workers. However, new arrivals have declined sharply: The first nine months of 2025 saw a 53% drop in new temporary workers compared to 2024, with targets for 2026 set at 230,000 new arrivals (37% fewer than prior levels).
What is the current status of IRCC’s immigration application backlog?
IRCC’s total inventory of applications under processing stood at over 2.2 million as of September 30, 2025, across citizenship, permanent residence, and temporary categories. The backlog (applications exceeding service standards) was nearing 1 million in November 2025, though it fluctuated earlier in the year—from 891,100 in January to a low of 779,900 in March, before surging again by August. As of December 12, 2025, processing times have improved for some categories, like study permits (now averaging 8 weeks).
How many refugees does Canada resettle annually?
In 2024, Canada resettled 49,280 refugees, including 19,485 government-assisted refugees (GAR), 29,715 privately sponsored refugees (PSR), and 85 blended visa office-referred (BVOR). For 2025 and beyond, refugee resettlement falls under the humanitarian category in the Immigration Levels Plan, which comprises about 15% of permanent resident targets (e.g., around 57,000 for 2026’s 380,000 total).
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: All The New CRA Payment Dates In 2026
New Canada Workers Benefit Payment Increase Coming In 2026
New GST Payment Increase In Canada Coming In 2026
New Minimum Wage In Canada and 5 Provinces Coming In 2026