Canadians Increasingly Concerned About Immigration Levels

Strategic Insights -

A clear majority of Canadians surveyed say there is too much immigration into the country, marking the second consecutive year this view has gained support. Fifty-eight per cent of respondents say there is too much immigration, up 14 percentage points from similar research last year, according to Environics Institute research. The federal government is set to release a three-year plan for immigration levels by Nov. 1, which may address growing concerns about immigration numbers.

Key Takeaways:

  • 58% of Canadians surveyed say there is too much immigration, up 14 percentage points from similar research last year.
  • The Prairie provinces reflected the most substantial shift, with overall agreement up 34 percentage points in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and Alberta up 17 points.
  • The research found rising agreement that there is too much immigration across Canada, consistent with the previous year.
  • 21% of respondents believe there is too much immigration because it is being poorly managed by government, a 10-point increase from last year.
  • Canadians are not rejecting immigration entirely, with 68% of respondents saying immigration has a positive impact on the country.
  • Concerns about immigration include pressure on the housing market, weak economy, overpopulation, and immigrants placing a drain on public finances.

Statistics:

  • 58% of Canadians surveyed say there is too much immigration (up 14 percentage points from last year).
  • 63% of Ontarians agreed that there is too much immigration, up 13 percentage points from 2023.
  • 34 percentage points increase in overall agreement in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
  • 17 percentage points increase in overall agreement in Alberta.
  • 68% of respondents say immigration has a positive impact on the country.
  • 21% of respondents believe there is too much immigration because it is being poorly managed by government (up 10 points from last year).
  • 2,016 respondents, aged 18 and over, were interviewed between September 9 and 23.
  • The results are considered accurate to within plus-or-minus 2.2 percentage points in 19 out of 20 samples.

Sources:

  • Environics Institute research.
  • Environics Institute press release.
  • Globe and Mail article.