Shifting Sentiments: How Canadians View Immigration in the Last Decade

Over the past decade, Canada has experienced significant changes in public attitudes toward immigration. Once heralded as a global leader in welcoming newcomers, Canada now faces rising anti-immigrant sentiment fueled by economic challenges, a housing crisis, and questions of national identity. This shift reflects deeper societal anxieties as Canadians grapple with the country's evolving realities.

A decade ago, Canada’s reputation as a beacon for immigrants was tied to its need for economic growth. With an aging population and a shrinking workforce, immigration was framed as the solution to sustaining the economy. Campaigns like “Study, Work, and Stay” encouraged international students, temporary workers, and refugees to settle in Canada, promising opportunity and growth. However, the economic picture has shifted drastically.

Today, Canadians are poorer than they were ten years ago. Rising unemployment, sluggish wage growth, and inflation have placed significant strain on households. In 2023, unemployment hovered near 7%, while housing and basic living costs soared. Many Canadians blame the federal government’s focus on welcoming foreign nationals for exacerbating their financial struggles.

Canada’s housing crisis has become a lightning rod for anti-immigration sentiment. The rapid influx of migrants—nearly three million admitted between 2020 and 2023—has intensified competition for limited housing. The average price of a home has skyrocketed by nearly 50% since 2018, and vacancy rates in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver remain critically low.

Local governments, which bear the brunt of providing housing and services, were unprepared for such rapid population growth. The strain on infrastructure has left many Canadians questioning whether immigration levels are sustainable.

This frustration is evident in national polls. For the first time in 25 years, a majority of Canadians believe there is “too much immigration.” Critics argue that the federal government’s policies have prioritized population growth over ensuring adequate housing and services.

Perhaps the most complex aspect of the immigration debate is its intersection with Canadian identity. Under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the federal government championed multiculturalism and downplayed the idea of a singular Canadian culture. Trudeau’s assertion that “Canada has no core identity” sparked controversy, with many Canadians arguing that the country’s rich cultural heritage was being overlooked.

In recent years, there has been a growing backlash against this narrative. Canadians are increasingly anxious about preserving their traditions, values, and way of life. The perception that some immigrants are not assimilating quickly enough has added to these concerns.

This unease has fueled support for politicians like Pierre Poilievre, who emphasize Canadian values and advocate stricter immigration controls. Polls suggest that the Conservative Party, with its calls for reduced immigration and stricter vetting processes, is well-positioned to win a majority in the next election.

The federal government has taken note of these shifting sentiments. In response to public pressure, Trudeau’s administration has announced plans to reduce immigration levels, cutting the number of permanent residents by nearly 20% next year. The government also aims to limit the number of international students and temporary workers, citing a need to “get the balance right.”

“Immigration is essential for Canada’s future, but it must be controlled and sustainable,” Trudeau said. While some applaud these measures, others see them as an abrupt about-face that betrays the very people Canada once invited. Migrants already in the country—many of whom left behind families and invested their savings—now face uncertainty. For international students and temporary workers, pathways to permanent residency have narrowed significantly.

Advocates for migrants argue that immigrants are being unfairly blamed for systemic failures. Syed Hussan, director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, highlighted how Canada’s housing shortage and healthcare strain predate recent immigration surges. “This is an attempt to distract working people from holding the government and big business accountable,” he said.

Canada’s immigration debate is emblematic of broader global tensions around migration, economic stability, and identity. The challenge lies in balancing the need for newcomers with the concerns of citizens who feel left behind.

As the country navigates these complexities, it’s clear that the conversation about immigration is as much about Canada’s future as it is about its past. Will the country find a way to preserve its welcoming ethos while addressing pressing economic and social challenges? Or will it follow the path of other nations, where anti-immigrant sentiment has reshaped policy and divided societies?

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the debate over immigration will continue to shape Canada’s identity in the years to come.