A recent national survey has uncovered concerning attitudes toward immigrants and refugees in Canada's prairie provinces, with Saskatchewan and Manitoba showing the lowest levels of public trust nationwide.
Poll Reveals Disturbing Trends
The comprehensive study, conducted by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies during October 24-26, surveyed 1,537 Canadians about their views on immigration and refugee protection. The findings present a troubling picture for the prairie region.
Only 31 percent of respondents in Saskatchewan and Manitoba expressed trust in refugees, falling significantly below the national average of 36 percent. The trust deficit extends to immigrants as well, with just 37 percent of prairie residents indicating they "very much" or "somewhat" trusted newcomers compared to 46 percent nationally.
Community Leader Calls for Dialogue
Ali Abukar, CEO of Saskatoon's Open Door Society, responded to the survey results with measured concern. His organization, which supports immigrants and refugees as they establish new lives in Canada, regularly encounters these attitudes firsthand.
"We need to have a conversation about rethinking immigration and the role that it plays in Canadian society," Abukar emphasized. He highlighted the importance of considering immigration in the context of economic development, population growth, and Canada's international responsibilities toward refugee protection.
The community leader warned that political messaging and public discourse around economic challenges often unfairly scapegoat immigrants. "When politicians frame more people as the single cause of these economic woes, then people will feel the fear, and this lack of trust will be coming out of that," he explained.
Understanding the Distrust
Abukar stressed that the survey findings provide valuable but preliminary insights that require deeper examination. He believes further discussion is essential to fully comprehend the roots of this distrust and prevent potential harm to those seeking safety in Saskatoon and across the prairies.
The poll also measured levels of distrust, combining "somewhat distrust" and "very much distrust" responses. The prairie provinces mirrored national averages with 37 percent distrust toward immigrants and 43 percent toward refugees.
The Open Door Society has a long history of supporting newcomers, originally inspired by Vietnamese refugees, and continues to help immigrants settle into communities and contribute to Canadian society. Abukar recently received recognition for this work with a Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award.
As Canada continues to welcome newcomers, these survey results highlight the ongoing need for constructive conversations about immigration's role in building strong, inclusive communities across the country.
