A new public opinion survey has revealed a significant shift in how people in Canada perceive immigration. According to the latest findings, 48 per cent of Canadians believe immigration is having a mostly negative impact on the country, a marked change from earlier years when sentiment was largely positive. The results point to growing unease driven by economic and social pressures rather than opposition to immigration itself.
A Sharp Turn in Public Opinion
The survey, conducted by Research Co., shows that negative perceptions of immigration have risen sharply. Only 34 per cent of respondents now feel immigration has a positive effect, while the rest remain neutral or undecided. This represents one of the most notable reversals in public sentiment on immigration in Canada in over a decade.
Housing Crisis at the Centre of Concerns
One of the biggest drivers behind this shift is housing affordability. Many Canadians believe rapid population growth, fuelled in part by high immigration levels, has intensified pressure on housing supply. Rising rents, record home prices, and limited availability in major cities have led to the perception that infrastructure development has not kept pace with population growth.
Strain on Jobs and Public Services
Beyond housing, concerns extend to employment opportunities and public services. Respondents cited worries about increased competition for jobs, especially in entry-level and service sectors. Others pointed to pressure on healthcare, education, and transportation systems, arguing that services are overstretched and unable to meet growing demand.
Importantly, these concerns appear to be rooted more in capacity and planning issues than in cultural resistance, suggesting frustration with policy execution rather than immigration as a concept.
Not an Anti-Immigration Country
Despite the rise in negative sentiment, the survey does not indicate a wholesale rejection of immigration. Canada continues to be seen as a country built on migration, and many respondents acknowledged the economic and demographic benefits of welcoming newcomers, particularly in addressing labour shortages and an ageing population.
The change in opinion reflects a demand for better-managed immigration policies, including alignment between intake targets and investments in housing, infrastructure, and public services.
Political and Policy Implications
The findings could have implications for future immigration policy debates. As public concern grows, policymakers may face pressure to recalibrate immigration levels or accelerate infrastructure spending to address bottlenecks. With immigration remaining central to Canada’s economic strategy, the challenge will be restoring public confidence while maintaining openness.
