A recent Nanos survey commissioned by CTV News reveals that a majority of Canadians support reducing immigration levels for 2025 compared to 2024. Nearly three-quarters of respondents believe that immigration should be scaled back until housing affordability improves.
Survey Results
According to the survey, 64 percent of Canadians advocate for fewer immigrants in 2025 than the previous year. In contrast, 26 percent of respondents support maintaining current immigration levels, while just 5 percent favor increasing them.
Government Response
In August, Immigration Minister Marc Miller promised significant changes to Canada’s immigration policy, including stricter regulations to limit the influx of temporary foreign workers. These workers were previously admitted in larger numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic to address labor shortages.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also indicated in August that further changes would be introduced this fall to reduce the number of permanent residents. Recently, Miller announced a 10 percent cut in international student permits, translating to approximately 300,000 fewer permits over the next three years. This reduction follows a target of 364,000 study permits for 2024, a sharp decline from the nearly 560,000 issued in 2023.
The government’s actions respond to warnings from experts and public servants about the growing strain on Canada’s housing market due to population growth.
Public Opinion on Housing
The survey shows that 72 percent of Canadians support reducing immigration until housing becomes more affordable. This figure includes 49 percent who strongly support the reduction and 23 percent who somewhat support it. This marks an increase from September 2023, when 35 percent were strongly supportive and 24 percent somewhat supportive of reducing immigration.
Economic Impact of Immigration
Regarding the economic impact of immigrants, 40 percent of Canadians believe they strengthen the economy (22 percent strongly and 18 percent somewhat), while 29 percent think they weaken it (11 percent strongly and 18 percent somewhat). Regional differences are notable: 47 percent of respondents from the Prairies feel immigrants boost the economy, compared to 34 percent in Atlantic Canada who believe the opposite.
Refugee Admissions
The survey also addresses views on refugees, who flee their countries due to war, persecution, or natural disasters. It finds that 46 percent of Canadians want fewer refugees admitted, while 35 percent prefer maintaining current numbers, and 15 percent support increasing admissions. Canada’s current plan permits 72,000 to 76,000 refugees annually through various resettlement streams.
Regionally, the Prairies (49 percent) show the highest support for reducing refugee numbers, while Ontario (19 percent) has the most respondents favoring an increase.
Methodology
The survey was conducted by Nanos Research between August 30 and September 2, 2024, using a dual frame approach that included both landline and cell phone interviews, as well as online responses. A total of 1,093 Canadians aged 18 and older participated. The margin of error is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. This study was commissioned by CTV News.
