A recent poll conducted by Environics Institute reveals a significant increase in the number of Canadians expressing concerns about the level of immigration being allowed by the federal government. The survey indicates a notable shift in attitudes, particularly among Conservative voters, who have shown a substantial rise in dissatisfaction with the current immigration policies.
The survey highlights that the percentage of Conservative voters who feel there is an excessive influx of immigrants has doubled in the past five years, reaching 82% in the latest survey. This surge in discontent among Conservative voters surpasses the overall Canadian sentiment, with 56% of Canadians expressing similar concerns about the volume of immigrants entering the country.
According to Keith Neuman, a senior associate at Environics Institute, there has been a remarkable and rapid change in public opinion regarding immigration, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. The surge in immigration levels, largely driven by the previous Liberal government, has strained resources such as housing and healthcare, leading to heightened frustrations among Canadians, particularly Conservative supporters.
While there has been a slight increase in Liberal and NDP voters expressing unease about the current immigration levels post-COVID, the most significant shift has been observed among Conservative voters. The widening gap in opinions on immigration among different political affiliations is unprecedented, marking a stark departure from previous years.
The survey findings suggest that the primary reasons for the growing discontent with immigration policies include concerns about the government’s management of the issue and the impact of high immigration volumes on the economy and housing market. However, Neuman notes that the opposition is not rooted in racial bias or xenophobia, as only a minority of skeptics cite cultural preservation as a motive for advocating reduced immigration.
Recent surveys by Nanos Research and Abacus Data also reflect a growing trend of diminishing support for current immigration levels among Canadians. The shifting attitudes have propelled immigration policy to the forefront of national discourse, with a significant portion of voters now considering it a top priority.
Former federal Conservative immigration minister Jason Kenney has criticized the Liberal government for what he perceives as mishandling the immigration system, leading to a surge in international students and temporary foreign workers. Kenney emphasizes the need for stricter immigration controls to restore public confidence in the system.
In response to the changing public sentiment, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has proposed stringent measures, including imposing hard caps on newcomers and ending the Temporary Foreign Worker program. The party’s immigration critic, Michelle Rempel Garner, has called for reforms to birthright citizenship eligibility criteria to deter “anchor babies.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney has acknowledged the need for a more sustainable and focused approach to immigration, signaling a potential shift in government policy. The Conservatives’ renewed focus on immigration issues reflects a broader shift in political discourse, with a more assertive stance on immigration policies gaining traction among the party’s base.
Despite the evolving landscape of immigration politics in Canada, analysts warn that striking a balance between addressing public concerns and avoiding alienating immigrant communities remains a delicate challenge for political parties. The cautious approach adopted by the Conservatives underscores the complex dynamics at play in navigating the immigration debate within the Canadian political landscape.