As the Trudeau government continues to welcome a record number of newcomers to Canada, a new Leger poll reveals that a majority of Canadians believe the immigration rate should be reduced. Conducted on behalf of the Association for Canadian Studies, the poll shows that 60% of Canadians feel there are currently too many immigrants entering the country. Just over a quarter of respondents believe the immigration rate is appropriate, while only 3% think it is too low.
The sentiment to decrease immigration is widespread across political affiliations and regions. Among the four major federal parties, Conservative voters are the most inclined towards cutting immigration, with 76% stating the current rate is too high and 19% finding it just right. Bloc Québécois supporters share similar views, with 73% advocating for a reduction and 17% supporting the status quo.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has pledged to reduce immigration, specifically targeting asylum seekers and temporary immigrants. “It’s going to be much lower, especially for temporary immigration,” Poilievre stated in a French language interview last month.
Even among Liberal party supporters, there is a notable preference for reducing immigration. Nearly half (45%) of Liberal voters feel the immigration rate is too high, while 43% believe it should remain unchanged. Only 5% support increasing the number of immigrants.
Earlier this year, Liberal Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a two-year cap on international student permits and encouraged international students to apply their skills in their home countries. Despite this, data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada shows an increase in international student permits issued this year compared to the same period last year.
NDP supporters exhibit similar opinions to Liberals, with 42% wanting a reduction in immigration and 41% feeling the rate is about right.
Regionally, the call for reducing immigration is strongest in Ontario, where 62% of residents favor a decrease, and only 24% support the current rate. In Toronto, concerns are even higher, with 64% of residents saying there are too many newcomers and 22% feeling the rate is adequate.
In Quebec, 61% of respondents want to see fewer immigrants, while 28% believe the current rate is suitable. Premier François Legault has highlighted the province’s struggle to maintain its unique culture and manage a surge in temporary immigrants, threatening a referendum if the federal government does not address the issue.
Albertans also express strong support for reducing immigration, with 67% in favor and 29% supporting the status quo.
Canadians’ concerns about immigration are intensified by the country’s affordability crisis, particularly in the housing sector. Over the past decade, Toronto’s average home price has more than doubled to over $1.1 million, while Vancouver’s average property price exceeds $1.3 million. This affordability crisis is prompting some newcomers to consider relocating to other provinces or leaving Canada altogether.