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Support for immigration in Canada has reached its lowest point in 25 years, as many Canadians feel the country is taking in too many newcomers. According to a new survey by the Environics Institute, almost six out of 10 Canadians now believe “there’s too much immigration.” This shift in attitude marks a significant change in public opinion, as Canada has traditionally been known for its welcoming stance toward immigrants.
Public Support for Immigration is Declining
Over the past two years, there has been a noticeable drop in support for immigration in Canada. The survey found a 31% increase in the number of people who oppose high immigration levels since 2022. This is the most dramatic shift in public sentiment since the survey began in 1977. It’s also the first time since 1998 that a majority of Canadians have felt this strongly about reducing immigration levels.
Why the sudden change? The reasons seem to be tied to growing economic concerns. Many Canadians are worried about rising housing costs, rent prices, and public services being stretched too thin. Additionally, the unemployment rate has been creeping up, leaving some people feeling uneasy about the country’s ability to handle an increase in new arrivals.
Population Growth and Economic Concerns
Canada’s population has grown at an unprecedented rate due to immigration. The recent influx of people is comparable to adding the entire population of San Diego to Canada, which is slightly more populous than California, in just a little over a year. This rapid growth has intensified the housing crisis, inflated rents, and put pressure on public services. As a result, many Canadians feel that immigration in Canada is adding to their everyday struggles.
Historically, Canada has relied on immigration to fuel economic growth by bringing in new workers to fill jobs, especially as the population ages. However, the survey shows that fewer people now believe immigration has a positive impact on the economy. Only 70% of respondents still agree that immigration benefits Canada’s economy, a drop from over 80% just two years ago.
Government Efforts to Address Concerns
In response to these growing concerns, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has taken steps to limit immigration. The government has capped the number of international students, restricted the use of foreign labor, and set a goal to reduce the temporary resident population. However, these efforts don’t seem to be enough to ease the worries of the public. Many Canadians still feel that immigration in Canada is being mismanaged and that the government is losing control of the situation.
Keith Neuman, the author of the Environics report, explained that economic worries play a big role in this shift in attitude. “People are feeling less secure about their own financial situation,” he said. “And when an unpopular government is seen as responsible for managing immigration, it makes people even more nervous.”
Regional and Political Impact
The decline in support for immigration can be seen across all provinces and among all age groups and political affiliations. The most common concerns are housing affordability, a weak economy, and the perception that the government is not managing the immigration system effectively. These concerns are especially strong in provinces like Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, where economic pressures have been particularly high.
Despite this growing opposition, it’s important to note that Canadians are not completely against immigration. Many people still see the value in welcoming newcomers, especially those with skills that are in high demand. The issue for most is not immigration itself but the way it’s being handled.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Immigration in Canada
With the government set to announce new immigration levels by November 1, there is speculation that the targets for permanent residents may be lowered for the first time in years. IRCC has mentioned that the government might reduce the number of permanent residents admitted each year and set stricter limits on temporary immigrants, including international students, foreign workers, and asylum seekers.
As the debate continues, it’s clear that immigration in Canada remains a hot topic. Canadians want to see their country grow and succeed, but they also want assurance that the system is being managed in a way that benefits everyone. The government will need to strike a balance between welcoming newcomers and addressing the economic challenges that come with rapid population growth.
Conclusion
While support for immigration in Canada has hit a low point, this doesn’t mean that Canadians have turned against immigrants. People are mainly concerned about how the system is being managed, particularly in light of economic pressures like housing shortages and unemployment. As the government moves forward with its immigration policies, it will need to carefully consider these concerns and work to regain public trust. For more updates on Canada Immigration news and to learn about Canada Immigration services, you can check out the latest announcements from the IRCC on our website itself.