How Canadian Attitudes Changed After Immigration Levels Were Reduced
In 2024, the Canadian government made a significant decision to reduce its immigration targets for 2025. The permanent resident target was lowered by nearly 100,000, from 485,000 in 2024 to 395,000 for 2025. This marked a 20 percent drop in planned immigrant intake.
Despite this reduction, Canadian public sentiment remained cautious about immigration numbers. According to a survey commissioned by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and conducted in November 2024, a majority of Canadians continued to feel that immigration levels were too high. When asked specifically about the reduced 395,000 target, 52 percent of respondents still considered the number excessive. Even after being informed the new target represented a substantial decrease, 44 percent maintained that it was still too high; 39 percent thought it was “about right,” and only 13 percent said it was too low.
A separate survey reported by the *National Post* found similar results: 54 percent of Canadians said there were too many immigrants coming to Canada, while 34 percent did not share that view.
Recent data show a noticeable shift in Canadian public opinion toward favoring lower immigration overall. Nearly six in ten Canadians (58 percent) now believe the country accepts too many immigrants, a 14 percentage point increase from previous years. There has been a significant move toward favoring reduced immigration: 38 percent of Canadians indicated having shifted their views in the past year to support smaller numbers, while 45 percent maintained their previous opinion and a smaller segment (13 percent) shifted toward supporting higher numbers.
Support for higher immigration remains strongest among younger Canadians, the highly educated, recent immigrants, and those who have direct experience with immigration. Conversely, Canadians with lower educational attainment and less familiarity with immigration are more likely to support reductions. Political affiliation also influences attitudes: those intending to vote for the Conservative Party are the most likely to have changed their views to favor less immigration, while Liberal supporters are more likely to have shifted toward supporting more. Supporters of the NDP generally have unchanged views on immigration policy.
Recent immigrants—especially ethnic minorities and white immigrants within their first ten years in Canada—are much more likely to support higher immigration levels compared to white Canadian-born residents. However, immigrants who have been established in Canada for a longer period tend to develop more negative attitudes toward additional immigration, closely mirroring the broader public mood. This trend is partly attributed to perceived economic and social competition, as well as assimilation processes that align immigrant attitudes with the host society over time.
While the public support for reducing immigration levels has increased, it coexists with recognition of immigration’s economic importance. A significant portion of Canadians continues to acknowledge the positive impact of newcomers on the country’s economy, even as concerns about housing shortages, health care, and integration challenges grow. There remains a complex balance between perceived pressures on social systems and the recognized need for immigration to support economic growth and demographic sustainability.
Public opinion is playing an increasingly important role in shaping Canada’s immigration policy, prompting officials and political leaders to adjust targets and messaging. The government’s reduction of immigration targets for 2025 is a direct response to changing sentiment, but whether this satisfies public concerns remains unclear. Future immigration plans for 2026 and 2027 are likely to be influenced by ongoing surveys and the evolving attitudes of Canadians, as the country continues to navigate the economic, demographic, and social implications of immigration policy.
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Conclusion
The reduction of Canada’s immigration targets for 2025 to 395,000 permanent residents marked a significant shift in policy, reflecting growing public concerns about immigration levels. Despite this decrease, a majority of Canadians still view the numbers as excessive, with 52% considering the target too high. This cautious response highlights a notable shift in public opinion, with 58% now believing Canada accepts too many immigrants—a 14% increase from previous years.
Demographic factors significantly influence these attitudes, with younger, highly educated, and recent immigrants generally supporting higher immigration, while those with lower educational attainment and less exposure to immigration favor reductions. Political affiliation also plays a role, with Conservative supporters more likely to back lower numbers and Liberal supporters leaning toward higher targets.
While Canadians acknowledge immigration’s economic benefits, concerns about housing shortages, healthcare, and integration have intensified. This balance between economic needs and social pressures underscores the complexity of immigration policy. As public opinion increasingly shapes policy decisions, future immigration targets for 2026 and 2027 will likely be influenced by ongoing surveys and evolving attitudes, reflecting Canada’s efforts to navigate economic, demographic, and social implications.
FAQ
1. How did Canadian attitudes toward immigration change after the 2025 target reduction?
Despite the reduction to 395,000, 52% of Canadians still considered the target too high, indicating a cautious and increasingly critical public sentiment toward immigration levels.
2. Why has there been a shift in public opinion on immigration in Canada?
The shift stems from concerns over economic competition, social integration, and strain on public services like housing and healthcare, alongside growing political influences and demographic factors.
3. Do Canadians recognize the economic benefits of immigration?
Yes, many Canadians acknowledge the positive economic impact of immigration, though this recognition coexists with growing concerns about social and economic pressures.
4. How does public opinion influence Canadian immigration policy?
Public opinion significantly shapes policy, as seen with the 2025 target reduction. Future targets may continue to be influenced by evolving public attitudes and survey data.
