Majority of Canadians Oppose Immigration Amid Cultural Concerns

A recent poll conducted by Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies reveals that a significant majority of Canadians oppose the need for new immigrants. The survey, which took place between August 29 and 31, 2023, found that **60 percent** of respondents disagreed with the statement that “Canada needs new immigrants.” The resistance was most pronounced in Alberta, where **65 percent** opposed new immigration, followed closely by Ontario at **63 percent** and Quebec at **61 percent**.

The findings suggest a growing divide in public opinion regarding immigration. Support for new arrivals was slightly higher among immigrants themselves, with **52 percent** agreeing that Canada needs new immigrants, compared to just **37 percent** of non-immigrants. Despite this, nearly **48 percent** of immigrants also expressed opposition to increasing immigration levels.

Concerns Over Cultural Assimilation

The survey also explored sentiments around cultural assimilation among newcomers. Respondents were almost evenly split on whether immigrants should abandon their customs and traditions in favor of those of the majority population. **51 percent** agreed that newcomers should assimilate, with the highest support found in Quebec at **60 percent**, followed by Alberta at **55 percent**. In contrast, British Columbia recorded the lowest support for this view at **47 percent**.

Jack Jedwab, chief executive of the Association for Canadian Studies, expressed surprise at the poll’s findings. He noted the context of a significant immigration debate occurring in Canada, referencing a recent **Statistics Canada** report indicating that the nation’s population growth has nearly plateaued and highlighting the necessity for new arrivals. Jedwab stated, “Canada needs immigration despite many feeling otherwise,” attributing some of the negative sentiment to a lack of effective communication from the government regarding the benefits of immigration.

Generational Divides and Economic Concerns

The poll further indicated that age demographics play a role in attitudes towards immigration. Young respondents aged **18 to 24** and seniors aged **65 and older** showed the most support for welcoming new immigrants, with **46 percent** in favor. Conversely, anti-immigration sentiment was more prevalent among working-age cohorts, which Jedwab suggests may stem from perceived competition in the job market. He emphasized that economic factors are not the only concerns influencing public opinion; security issues also contribute to skepticism regarding immigration.

The poll’s results highlight a complex narrative surrounding integration and assimilation in Canada. While approximately **85 percent** of Canadians value the importance of passing on their customs and traditions to future generations, opinions diverge when it comes to the expectations placed on newcomers. Jedwab noted that this contradiction raises questions about the cultural narrative in Canada, stating, “It’s okay for ‘us’ to preserve customs and traditions but not for newcomers to do so.”

Interestingly, the survey found that Americans, typically characterized as more assimilationist, display greater opposition to cultural assimilation than Canadians. Nearly **71 percent** of Americans disagreed with the notion that immigrants should give up their customs and traditions, compared to **49 percent** of Canadians.

As Canada grapples with its identity as a multicultural society, the poll results reveal a need for clearer discourse on immigration and cultural integration. Jedwab’s call for politicians to remind the public of the significance of immigration in a diverse society underscores the necessity for ongoing dialogue about the future of Canada’s immigration policies and practices.