Poll Reveals Strong Canadian Support for Reduced Immigration Levels
A recent survey indicates that a majority of Canadians are advocating for lower immigration numbers as the country experiences a notable slowdown in population growth. According to a Nanos Research poll commissioned by Bloomberg News, 52 percent of respondents believe Canada should accept fewer immigrants and temporary residents in 2027 compared to current levels.
Public Sentiment on Immigration Policy
The poll, which surveyed 1,058 Canadians between March 1 and March 8 through telephone and online methods, found that 35 percent of participants support maintaining the same immigration levels. Fewer than 10 percent expressed a desire for increased immigration. This data suggests a significant shift in public opinion following years of high immigration rates.
"Nationally, Canadians are almost six times more likely to want fewer rather than more new people coming into the country for 2027," said Nik Nanos, founder and chief data scientist of Nanos Research. "In an environment where Canadians are worried about the economy, the cost of living and the trade relationship with the United States, the appetite for more new immigrants is weak."
Historical Context and Policy Changes
This sentiment emerges after Canada witnessed historic population increases in 2022 and 2023, with growth reaching 3.2 percent in 2023—the highest rate since 1957. These surges raised concerns about strains on housing markets and social services, prompting policy adjustments.
The federal government began reversing course on immigration policies starting in 2024, implementing measures to reduce permanent resident admissions and tighten regulations for work and study visas. These changes have substantially decreased population growth, with Statistics Canada indicating that last year likely marked the first recorded population decline, though data revisions are anticipated.
Regional Variations in Immigration Views
The poll revealed regional differences in attitudes toward immigration. Respondents in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba were most likely to favor reduced immigration levels, while British Columbians showed greater support for maintaining current numbers. This geographic variation highlights the diverse perspectives across Canada's provinces.
Economic and Housing Market Implications
Slower population growth has already impacted the housing market, contributing to cooling trends that include falling home prices in some communities and more modest rent increases. The federal government has adjusted its immigration targets accordingly, reducing permanent resident admissions from 395,000 last year to 380,000 for this year and the following two years.
Additionally, targets for temporary work and study visas have been lowered, with this year's figures set at 230,000 and 155,000 respectively. Planned reductions for next year include 10,000 fewer work visas and 5,000 fewer study visas, reflecting a strategic approach to managing population growth.
Methodology and Accuracy
The Nanos Research poll maintains a margin of error of three percentage points, 19 times out of 20, providing reliable insights into Canadian public opinion. As immigration continues to be a pivotal issue, these findings offer valuable context for policymakers and stakeholders navigating the complex balance between population management and economic considerations.
