A recent survey has highlighted a distinct perspective on national identity, finding that immigrants to Canada are more likely to define core "Canadian values" through the lenses of human rights and diversity compared to those born in the country.
Defining the Canadian Identity
The survey, conducted and released in January 2026, taps into the ongoing conversation about what principles bind the nation together. For many new citizens, the foundational pillars of the Canadian ethos are not abstract concepts but lived experiences tied to fundamental freedoms and multicultural inclusion.
The data suggests a meaningful divergence in how national values are perceived based on one's journey to citizenship. While the survey did not specify the exact margin, it clearly indicates that those who have chosen Canada as their new home place a pronounced emphasis on these specific ideals.
The Immigrant Perspective on Core Principles
This insight comes at a time when Canada continues to welcome a significant number of new citizens from across the globe. The survey's focus on nearly 400 new Canadians from 65 countries, who took the oath of citizenship at a ceremony in Toronto on Friday, July 19, 2024, provides a relevant snapshot of contemporary immigrant viewpoints.
For these individuals, the value of human rights often resonates deeply, potentially informed by comparisons to their countries of origin or the aspirations that brought them to Canada. Similarly, diversity is not just a policy but a tangible, daily reality of Canadian life that defines their experience of the nation.
Implications for National Discourse
The survey's findings contribute to a broader dialogue about social cohesion and evolving identity. They underscore how Canada's policy of multiculturalism and its Charter of Rights and Freedoms are actively internalized by those who adopt the country as their own.
This perspective from immigrant communities serves as a powerful reminder of the principles that attract global talent and families to Canada's shores. It also poses reflective questions about how these shared values are understood and prioritized across different segments of the population.
As Canada moves forward, such surveys offer crucial data points for policymakers, educators, and community leaders aiming to foster an inclusive society where the definition of "Canadian values" is both broad and deeply held by all who call the country home.
