A recent poll conducted by Environics Institute reveals a significant rise in the number of Canadians expressing concerns about the level of immigration allowed by the federal government. Particularly noteworthy is the sharp shift in sentiment among Conservative voters, with a notable majority now holding negative views on the immigration system.
The survey indicates that the proportion of Conservative voters who believe there is an excessive influx of immigrants has surged from 41% in 2020 to a striking 82% in the past five years. This spike represents the highest level of discontent recorded by Environics Institute across all demographic groups in its 48-year history of tracking immigration opinions.
In comparison, the overall percentage of Canadians expressing worries about high immigration levels stands at 56% this year, showing a substantial increase over the last five years. Keith Neuman, a senior associate at Environics Institute, noted a rapid and significant shift in public opinion regarding immigration post-pandemic.
The surge in immigration numbers under the previous Liberal government, leading to an annual population increase of about one million individuals for three consecutive years, has put a strain on various sectors such as housing and healthcare, testing the patience of Canadians. Conservative voters, in particular, have responded most negatively to these challenges, according to Neuman.
While there has been a slight uptick in Liberal and NDP voters expressing concerns about excessive immigration post-COVID, the divergence in opinions among party supporters has notably widened over the past two decades, as highlighted by the Environics survey.
Major reasons cited for the growing discontent include dissatisfaction with the government’s management of the immigration system and concerns about its impact on the economy and housing. Neuman emphasized that the opposition does not stem from racial bias or xenophobia, with only a small fraction of skeptics mentioning threats to Canadian culture as a reason to reduce immigration numbers.
Furthermore, the shifting political landscape is not limited to Environics’ findings. Surveys by Nanos Research and Abacus Data also indicate a significant decline in support for current immigration levels among Canadians, with immigration emerging as a key national concern for a substantial portion of voters.
Former federal Conservative immigration minister Jason Kenney criticized the Liberal government for what he described as mishandling the immigration system, leading to a surge in international students and temporary foreign workers. Kenney emphasized the need for restoring trust by reducing immigration intake and addressing fraudulent practices within the system.
In response to the changing sentiments, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has proposed stringent measures, including “hard caps” on newcomers, the elimination of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program, and stricter criteria for birthright citizenship eligibility. Prime Minister Mark Carney has also acknowledged the need for a more sustainable and focused approach to immigration policy.
Political observers point out that the Conservatives are now more vocal in their critique of immigration policies, contrasting with their previous stance. The party’s evolving stance reflects a delicate balance between responding to public sentiment and avoiding alienating potential supporters, particularly new Canadians.
With the immigration issue gaining prominence in political discourse, parties are navigating a challenging terrain to address public concerns while positioning themselves strategically on this divisive topic.