A new report from the Environics Institute reveals changing Canadian attitudes toward immigration, with an increasing number of Canadians now viewing current immigration levels as too high.
The 2024 report marks a significant shift, showing that 58 percent of Canadians believe immigration numbers should be reduced—a 14-point rise from 2023 and the highest recorded in 25 years.
Historically, Canada has been known for its welcoming stance on immigration, supporting it as a foundation of its identity and a driver of economic growth. However, rising housing costs, job market strain, and public service pressures appear to influence public opinion. These economic concerns have led some Canadians to question the sustainability of current immigration levels, especially in light of inflation and wage stagnation.
The report comes as Immigration Minister Marc Miller prepares to release Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan, which will outline targets for the next three years. This year, for the first time since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government took office in 2015, immigration targets are expected to be lowered.
The new plan will incorporate temporary immigration targets, reflecting the growing impact of temporary residents on the Canadian economy and housing market.
Support for immigration varies widely across Canada. While Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia—long-time hubs for newcomers—maintain relatively high support for immigration, regions like Alberta and Saskatchewan report growing skepticism.
These provinces are experiencing intensified concerns about job competition and the effects of immigration on public services, such as healthcare and education, which may be influencing the rise in anti-immigration sentiment.
Political alignment also plays a role in shaping public opinion, with provinces led by conservative parties generally showing higher levels of opposition to immigration.
The report highlights how economic uncertainty has influenced Canadians’ attitudes, with rising costs of living, inflation, and recession fears leading some to believe that high immigration levels may place additional strain on job markets. The 2024 findings underscore how Canadians’ views on immigration are becoming more polarized, shaped by economic challenges and regional disparities across the country.
The post Growing Concerns About Immigration Levels Highlighted in Canadian Survey appeared first on CI News | Latest Canada Immigration News.
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