According to new findings published by the Environics Institute, most Canadians remain supportive of immigration, even after a year marked by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey, conducted through telephone interviews with 2,000 Canadians between September 7 and 23, 2021, reveals that public attitudes toward immigration and refugees have remained largely consistent over the past 12 months.
Maple News reports that the Fall 2021 Focus Canada survey shows strong majority support for Canada’s current immigration policies. Most respondents believe immigration contributes positively to the economy and is vital for maintaining and growing the country’s population. The continued public backing comes despite the pandemic’s economic hardships and limited political discourse on immigration during the crisis phase.
Notably, 65 per cent of Canadians disagree with the idea that immigration levels are too high. This number has remained steady since the previous survey in September 2020. However, opinions have slightly shifted in certain regions. In Atlantic Canada, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, support has dipped by 7 to 8 percentage points. Meanwhile, views in Quebec remain unchanged, and support in Alberta has increased marginally by 3 points.
Interestingly, the sentiments of first-generation Canadians—those born outside the country—have evolved. The survey shows a nine-point increase in the number of these individuals who feel that immigration levels are too high, now standing at 36 per cent, in contrast to 27 per cent among Canadian-born respondents. This indicates growing complexity in how different demographic groups view immigration policy.
Political alignment also plays a role in shaping public opinion. Supporters of the Liberal Party (75%) and the New Democratic Party (81%) overwhelmingly express approval of current immigration levels. This reflects the long-standing pro-immigration stance of both parties and highlights how political ideology can influence one’s perspective on immigration.
As Canada begins to emerge from the most intense period of the pandemic, immigration is gradually re-entering public discourse. This survey provides crucial insights into Canadians’ continuing openness to newcomers, a perspective that plays a key role in shaping the country’s future immigration policies.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on evolving public attitudes and government strategies related to immigration as Canada rebuilds in the post-pandemic landscape.