The Government of Canada has unveiled plans to reduce immigration targets for the next three years. The new targets are 395,000 permanent residents for 2025, 380,000 for 2026, and 365,000 for 2027. This marks a significant reduction, down about 20% from the previous target of 500,000 immigrants per year, and a sharp decline from the approximately 472,000 permanent immigrants who arrived in 2023.
The move also includes a cut in the number of temporary residents, such as international students and foreign workers. The government argues that these reductions are necessary to slow short-term population growth and ease pressure on housing, infrastructure, and social services. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) maintains that this approach will foster sustainable long-term growth for the country.
However, the plan has sparked heated debate, especially among business leaders who argue that such reductions could harm the economy. Despite this, researchers studying public attitudes toward immigration suggest that the cuts are crucial for maintaining Canadians’ overall support for the immigration system.
Canadians’ Attitudes Toward Immigration: A Shift in Perspective
Canada has long been recognized globally for its positive stance toward immigration. A 2019 Gallup survey, which polled thousands across 145 countries, named Canada the world’s most accepting nation toward migrants. This welcoming attitude has played a key role in the success of Canada’s immigration system, with newcomers receiving support to integrate into society and contributing to the country’s economy and social fabric.
However, recent polls suggest that support for immigration may be waning. A growing number of Canadians are expressing concerns over the current levels of immigration, with some blaming immigrants for exacerbating issues such as the housing crisis and competition for jobs.
The Perception of Losing Control
Recent data reveals that Canadians are increasingly worried that the country has lost control over immigration. Media reports and some political commentators have fueled these concerns, suggesting that immigration is spiraling out of control.
Research indicates that a sense of control plays a vital role in shaping public opinion on immigration. When people feel that immigration is managed effectively, they tend to have more positive views. Conversely, a perception of losing control can lead to negative attitudes.
A September 2024 Environics Focus Canada survey found that 58% of Canadians believe there is too much immigration, the highest figure since 1998. This shift in perception is not just about the numbers; it also reflects growing concerns about immigrants’ integration into Canadian society. Many Canadians now feel that immigrants are not adopting Canadian values or that too many refugees are misrepresenting their status. Additionally, there is an increasing belief that Canada is accepting too many racialized immigrants.
These negative views could potentially fuel discrimination, making it harder for immigrants to integrate and reinforcing the cycle of declining public opinion on immigration.
Reasserting Control: A Strategic Move
In response to these concerns, Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized that Canadians want better management of the immigration system. By setting lower targets, the government aims to restore a sense of control over immigration, preserving the integrity of the system and preventing further negative perceptions.
Experts suggest that managing immigration levels effectively can help restore public confidence. At the same time, political leaders should highlight the benefits of immigration, ensuring that all immigrants—whether workers, refugees, or family members—are seen as contributing positively to Canadian society.
A Balanced Approach to Immigration Messaging
The experience of the 2015 Syrian refugee crisis shows that positive messaging about immigrants can shift public opinion. At that time, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s welcoming stance on refugees, supported by media coverage, helped foster a more positive view of newcomers. Similarly, emphasizing both control and the positive contributions of immigrants could help mitigate the negative impact of reduced immigration targets.
While reducing immigration levels might increase the blame placed on immigrants for current societal challenges, it also offers an opportunity to reset public attitudes. Leaders, both political and business, can play a key role in reframing the debate, focusing on immigration’s importance to Canada’s future and its role in building a prosperous, diverse society.
By focusing on the management and benefits of immigration, Canada can preserve its positive reputation as a welcoming nation, ensuring that the immigration system remains strong and responsive to the country’s evolving needs.
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