The economy of Canada is seen positively or somewhat positively affected by Canada’s immigration policy, according to a recent poll. As a result, most Canadians consider immigration an asset to the economy. Since it can bring in skilled workers and entrepreneurs who can provide growth to a variety of industries.
“Exploding populations” are causing the rental costs of Canadian metropolitan population centers to “swing.” Many Canadians are therefore forced to relocate to smaller towns where housing is more plentiful.
Furthermore, some people believe that immigration can hurt the Canadian housing market by causing demand to rise beyond supply. According to Robert Hogue, an economist with the Royal Bank of Canada, Canada’s housing supply will need to grow by 270,000 units by 2025.
Immigration’s economic impact on the public opinion
Nanos Research Group’s poll for Bloomberg shows that even in the face of this assertion, most Canadians continue to see immigration as having favorable economic effects.
Among the 1,012 survey respondents, the following responses were given:
- According to respondents in this survey (52%), the country’s increased annual immigration target will have a positive or somewhat positive effect on the economy.
- Nevertheless, slightly more than one-third of respondents (38%) viewed increased immigration targets negatively or somewhat negatively.
- Approximately 6% of Canadians were not sure how increased immigration targets would affect the economy.
- Only 4% of respondents believed that Canada’s increased immigration target would not affect the economy.
Over the period of February 26-March 1, 2023, the survey was conducted both online and over the phone.
Canada’s immigration policy – Relationship of Canada with immigration
Among the Group of Seven nations, Canada has the fastest population growth due to immigrants. That trend is expected to continue based on Canada’s rising immigration goals for 2023-2025. It includes accepting 500,000 new permanent residents.
Approximately 23% of all Canadians are immigrants, according to census data from 2021. As of this year, 465,000 people are expected to move. By 2024, 485,000 people are expected to move.
Nanos polling shows that public support for this year’s target has increased by 10% since November 2020. Despite nearly a third of respondents believing Canada should admit fewer permanent residents. However, 15% also said they wanted the country to admit more immigrants.
Environics Institute of Canada, in collaboration with the Century Initiative, conducted a survey in October 2022 showing popular support for immigration across Canada. Nearly 70% of Canadians disagree or strongly disagree with the statement that Canada’s immigration levels are too high according to this survey.
An additional report came out in February of this year from the Century Initiative. A majority of Canadians support immigration, according to the study Public Opinion and Immigration: Preserving Canada’s Advantage. It is especially true in the case of immigrants from conflict-affected countries who come to Canada. Seventy-six percent of Canadians believe that more immigrants should be admitted from conflict-affected countries.
This number has increased by 42% since 1993, demonstrating that Canadians’ attitudes about immigration are generally favorable.
Gathering public opinion about immigration
As part of its effort to improve Canadians’ understanding of immigration, the federal government has launched a project called “An Immigration System for Canada’s Future.”.
It will provide Canadians with the opportunity to take part in discussions, polls, and other activities aimed at developing an immigration system that is stronger, more adaptive, and better suited for the future of Canada.
A wide range of government agencies, business associations, universities, post-secondary institutions, and settlement agencies are invited to participate in the events. Earlier this month, immigration minister Sean Fraser moderated a discussion session in Halifax. And the process will continue through the spring.
It is anticipated that the advice gathered through this effort will impact Canada’s future immigration policies and initiatives. It helps to develop a system that will benefit Canadians across the country for a very long time to come,” said the IRCC.
