Express Entry - Canada's Immigration Lottery | With Nir Rozenberg & Phil Mooney

Canada’s immigration system is under intense scrutiny in 2026, and one program sits at the center of the debate: Express Entry.

On this episode of TPL Media, host Mike Wixson sits down with immigration experts Nir Rozenberg and Phil Mooney to unpack how the system works, why it was created, and whether it’s still selecting the right people for Canada’s economic needs. Originally designed to streamline the process and eliminate massive application backlogs, Express Entry promised faster decisions and a more targeted approach to skilled immigration.

But years after its launch, critics argue the system may be producing unintended consequences. From pandemic-era disruptions and surging immigration targets to the explosion of temporary residents and international students, the trio explores how Canada’s immigration pipeline became overwhelmed. They also examine the complex relationship between federal selection systems, provincial needs, and the political decisions shaping immigration policy.

Rozenberg and Mooney bring a rare insider perspective, explaining the legal framework, bureaucratic challenges, and real-world effects immigration consultants are seeing on the ground. As unemployment rises and public debate intensifies, this conversation breaks down what’s actually happening behind the scenes, and whether Canada’s immigration system is entering a necessary period of correction.