Immigrants in Canada receive much-needed support from Canadians as they understand the significance of Canadian immigration. Recently, the Environs Institute of Canada collaborated with the Century initiative to release a survey report on the opinions of Canadians regarding immigration.
Century Initiative aims to increase the Canadian population to 100,000,000 by 2100. Several business leaders and academics run this charity. On the other hand, the Environs institute deals with issues related to the Canadian government and economy by conducting surveys and collecting data on the same problems.
According to this report, over 70 percent of Canadians showed their support for Canadian immigration. This percentage of Canadians believed that the immigration levels were not high. First time in the 45 years of Canadian history, respondents showed immense support for immigrants coming to Canada.
The recent report of the 2021 Census data even revealed that 23 percent of immigrants contribute to the entire Canadian population. This percentage accounts for 8.3 million immigrants. Moreover, this figure is more likely to increase to at least 34 percent by 2041.
The authorities telephonically collected all essential survey data from 2000 Canadians between September 6 and September 30 this year.
Overall, the study findings reveal that the support of Canadians toward immigrants in Canada is primarily due to their independent political experiences. Altogether, the individuals who have shown great support for high levels of immigration belong to different parties. For instance, 79 percent from the federal Liberal Party, 85 percent from NDP, and 84 percent from Green Party. Contrarily, around 43 percent of supporters also depicted a conservative perception stating that the immigration levels as extremely high. However, this is nearly low to 1 percent compared to the 2021 study.
Immigrants in Canada receive support despite Covid-19 challenges
Canada revealed this data at a point time when it was busy dealing with the consequences of Covid-19. The after-effects occurred in the form of a massive Canadian labor shortage and a record-breaking 1 million vacant job positions. To sort out these challenges, Canada regularly increases the Immigration Levels Plan. The target is to welcome 432,000 to 451,000 newcomers in Canada by 2024. The new plan is likely to come out by November 1 this year. More than 50 percent of survey respondents reiterated the need for more immigrants in Canada. Individuals from Manitoba and Saskatchewan displayed a shifted perspective, with an increase of 15 points compared to last year. Alberta and Ontario showed a rise of three points.
Atlantic Canada witnessed at least three times the immigration in the previous five years. However, the support shown toward immigrants in Canada was reduced by 9 points.
The Canadian government and people believe that immigration is crucial in enhancing the Canadian economy. Consequently, the tax base will also increase.
As per official data, nearly two-thirds of immigrants in Canada belong to the working age group. This further indicates that the immigrant population in Canada will pay income tax and support the healthcare and educational system.
Canadians look forward to more refugees
More respondents showed their faith in Canada’s promise of offering a secure space for refugees, specifically those currently facing issues due to ongoing conflicts in their home country. On the other hand, several other respondents expressed concern for refugees and their potential to mingle with Canada’s society and culture. They further stated that this would pose a problem to Canadian society and culture. Interestingly, Quebec is one example of their concern because it focuses on the economic immigration policies, promoting its Francophone culture and identity.
However, the survey also asked about Canada’s pattern of accepting immigrants from racialized countries; most Canadians and Quebec disagreed with this idea.
Additionally, 37 percent of Canadians share their opinion on refugees that they aren’t accurate or legitimate. Most of the respondents supporting this belief belong to the group of conservatives and Bloc Quebecois. Alberta is one province with the maximum number of individuals sharing the same opinion. However, individuals from Atlantic Canada also agree with an increase of 8 points from the 2021 survey.
Most people in the Canadian survey disagree with the idea that Canada comprises several racial minority groups of immigrants. Those who support this idea are either above 6o years or don’t hold a post-secondary degree.
The current survey results contrast with the earlier surveys in the 1990s when most people had bifurcated opinions. Particular countries rarely observed a change in their view of accepting more refugees from conflicted areas. People generally shared their beliefs on Ukraine and Afghanistan. However, most of these respondents seldom showed any difference in support of Ukrainians over Afghanistan refugees.
