Canada just realised importing tens of thousands of foreign workers might not be a good idea...

The temporary foreign worker programme brings non-Canadians to the country to work on a short-term basis.

Meant to fill labor shortages, it has grown dramatically and has come under fire.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his cabinet is also considering reductions to permanent resident streams.

Trudeau has been lagging in polls ahead of an election expected next year as a growing share of Canadians say Canada is bringing in too many immigrants.

"We're looking at the various streams to make sure that as we move forward, Canada remains a place that is positive in its support for immigration, but also responsible in the way we integrate and make sure there's pathways to success for everyone who comes to Canada," Trudeau told reporters.

He said the government will present a broader plan on immigration levels this fall.

Canada has long prided itself on welcoming newcomers but its government is under pressure to reduce the number of temporary residents, which has grown dramatically in recent years.

The government pledged more measures to reduce the temporary resident population to 5% of Canada's total population in three years. Its share was 6.8% in April and the Bank of Canada said it expected that number to rise.

The measures are expected to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers by about 65,000.