For decades, immigration has been viewed as a cornerstone of Canada’s identity. It has helped shape the country’s multicultural fabric and supported economic growth. However, the 2024 Environics Institute report marks a critical shift in how Canadians perceive immigration.
The findings indicate that a growing number of Canadians now believe that immigration levels are too high, reflecting deeper concerns about the impact of newcomers on housing, jobs, and public services.
The report comes as Canada prepares to release its Immigration Levels Plan for the next three years. Immigration Minister Marc Miller is expected to reduce numbers for the first time since the Liberal government came to power under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2015. He will also include temporary immigration targets in the plan for the first time.
58 per cent of Canadians Believe Immigration Levels Are Too High
According to the Environics 2024 report, 58 per cent of Canadians now believe that immigration levels are too high, the highest figure recorded in the past 25 years. This is a sharp 14-point increase from 2023, highlighting a notable shift in public opinion. Traditionally, Canadians have been widely supportive of immigration as a means to bolster economic growth and offset the country’s aging population. However, recent developments, including rising housing costs and economic uncertainty, seem to have triggered growing concerns.
Regional Differences: A Growing Divide
The report shows that attitudes toward immigration are not uniform across the country. Regions like Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, which have long been immigration hubs, continue to show higher levels of support for immigration. However, the Prairies – especially provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan – are seeing a more pronounced backlash. In these provinces, concerns about job competition, wage stagnation, and strained public services have contributed to a more skeptical view of immigration.
This divide is further accentuated by political leanings. In provinces where more conservative parties hold sway, anti-immigration sentiment tends to be higher. This regional polarization suggests that Canadians’ views on immigration are becoming increasingly shaped by both economic conditions and political ideology.
Housing and Infrastructure: Key Drivers of Concern
One of the main drivers of the shift in attitudes is the growing concern about housing shortages. As Canada faces a housing affordability crisis, many Canadians are questioning whether the country’s infrastructure can sustain the high levels of immigration. The Environics report points to housing as one of the most frequently cited reasons for the belief that immigration levels are too high. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, skyrocketing housing costs have placed intense pressure on residents, fueling fears that newcomers are exacerbating the issue.
While immigration is not solely to blame for the housing crisis, it is often seen as a contributing factor, especially in densely populated urban centers. The strain on infrastructure, public services, and transportation is also becoming a point of contention, with many Canadians feeling that the system is not equipped to handle rapid population growth.
Economic Uncertainty and Job Competition
Economic concerns also play a pivotal role in shaping Canadians’ attitudes toward immigration. Rising inflation, fears of a recession, and job competition are making some Canadians wary of high immigration levels. The 2024 report indicates that economic anxiety has led many to believe that immigrants are placing additional strain on job markets, particularly in sectors where wages are already stagnant.
This perception is particularly strong among lower-income Canadians and those employed in sectors such as construction, retail, and manufacturing. Despite the federal government’s emphasis on immigration as a solution to labor shortages in industries like healthcare and technology, there is a disconnect between policy and public sentiment. Many feel that while skilled immigration is necessary, the overall intake of newcomers is overwhelming the system.
Changing Views on Refugees
While attitudes toward economic immigrants have shifted, the most significant change has been in perceptions of refugees. The Environics 2024 report shows that Canadians are increasingly skeptical about the number of refugees entering the country. Only 38 per cent of Canadians now say they support the current level of refugee intake, a marked decrease from previous years.
This shift is largely driven by concerns about integration and public safety. The report highlights a growing sentiment that refugees, especially those from conflict zones, may face difficulties in adapting to Canadian society. Additionally, there are rising fears about the long-term costs of supporting refugees, from housing and healthcare to education and social services.
This change in attitude is also linked to global trends, as Canada, like many other countries, grapples with the complexities of resettling large numbers of refugees. The global refugee crisis has placed pressure on Canada’s immigration system, and the public appears increasingly divided on how to manage these challenges.
Mismanagement of Immigration and Policy Mistrust
Another factor contributing to the changing attitudes is the growing perception that the immigration system is being mismanaged. The Environics report suggests that many Canadians believe the government is not doing enough to ensure that immigration levels are in line with the country’s capacity to provide housing, jobs, and services. Trust in the government’s ability to manage immigration has declined, with many pointing to delays in processing applications, long wait times for services, and a lack of transparency as key issues.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has faced criticism for backlogs and inefficiencies in recent years. This has eroded confidence in the system’s ability to handle the increasing numbers of immigrants. Furthermore, high-profile incidents of fraud and misuse of the system have amplified public skepticism, with some Canadians calling for stricter controls and better enforcement.
The Role of Media and Political Discourse
The media and political discourse around immigration have also influenced the changing attitudes. Immigration has become a hot-button issue in Canadian politics, with politicians on all sides weighing in on the debate. Some political parties have used immigration as a tool to galvanize their base, focusing on the negative aspects and linking it to housing, jobs, and public safety concerns.
The media has also played a role in shaping public perceptions. Coverage of immigration-related issues often focuses on the challenges rather than the benefits of immigration, which can skew public opinion. Stories about housing crises, job competition, and integration challenges dominate the headlines, contributing to the narrative that Canada’s immigration system is under strain.
Navigating the Road Ahead
The 2024 Environics report offers valuable insight into the changing attitudes of Canadians toward immigration. While the country has long prided itself on being open and welcoming, the growing concerns about housing, economic uncertainty, and refugee intake are causing many to question whether Canada can sustain its current immigration levels.
However, it’s important to recognize that these concerns do not necessarily translate into an anti-immigrant sentiment. Many Canadians still see the value in immigration, particularly in addressing labor shortages and supporting economic growth. The challenge for policymakers will be to address the underlying issues – such as housing and job competition – that are driving these concerns, while continuing to promote the benefits of immigration.
Moving forward, Canada’s immigration policy will need to strike a delicate balance between meeting the country’s economic needs and addressing the legitimate concerns of its citizens. As attitudes continue to evolve, it will be crucial for the government to engage in transparent, evidence-based policy discussions that foster both economic stability and social cohesion.
FAQ: Changing Attitudes Towards Canada Immigration
Why are more Canadians concerned about immigration levels in 2024?
Canadians are increasingly worried about housing shortages, job competition, and economic uncertainty. The 2024 Environics report shows a record 58% believe immigration levels are too high, with many citing concerns that Canada’s infrastructure, services, and job market cannot handle the rapid influx of newcomers.
How do attitudes toward immigration differ by region?
Attitudes vary significantly by region. Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia tend to remain more supportive of immigration, while the Prairies, particularly Alberta and Saskatchewan, show growing resistance due to concerns about job competition, wage stagnation, and pressure on public services and infrastructure.
What role does housing play in shifting attitudes on immigration?
Housing shortages are a key driver of shifting attitudes. As affordability becomes a national crisis, many Canadians believe that increased immigration is contributing to higher demand and rising costs, particularly in urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver, where housing markets are already under severe strain.
How has public opinion about refugees changed in 2024?
The Environics 2024 report highlights growing skepticism about refugees, with only 38% of Canadians supporting current intake levels. Concerns about integration challenges, public safety, and the long-term costs of supporting refugees are contributing factors to this significant shift in public opinion.
What are the main criticisms of Canada’s immigration system?
Many Canadians feel the immigration system is mismanaged, citing processing delays, inefficiencies, and fraud. The public is increasingly concerned that the government is not aligning immigration levels with the country’s capacity to provide adequate housing, jobs, and public services for newcomers.
