Canadians not Divided on Immigration and Refugee Issues – Environics Institute

The Environics Institute updated its research on Canadian attitudes about immigration and refugees. The findings reveal that immigration issues do not strongly divide Canadians, standing in opposition to other electoral divisions in western countries. The report goes on to show how eight in ten Canadians believe that immigration helps the Canadian economy. This is the highest number ( 80% ) since the first of these reports was issued in 1993. Attitudes about immigration and refugees differ across the population.

This research reveals that Canadians as a whole continue to be more positive than negative about the number of immigrants arriving in Canada and the benefits they bring to the country’s economy. Moreover, public concerns about such contentious issues as whether newcomers are adequately embracing Canadian values and the legitimacy of refugee claimants have not increased over the past year; if anything they have moderated. Immigration was not a top of mind issue for the vast majority of Canadian voters from any political party

Positive sentiments are most prevalent among younger Canadians and those with a university education. In Quebec, despite the recent controversy over its new legislation banning religious dress, public opinion about immigrants is as positive if not more so than in other parts of the country. Negative views are most evident in Alberta, among Canadians ages 60 and older, and those without a high school diploma.

Canadians’ overall satisfaction with the direction of their country has rebounded over the past six months. The environment and climate change is now the top issue of concern for the country, while immigration and refugees remain well down the list and declining in salience .

Review this Environics Institute Report here.

Read the Globe and Mail article by Micelle Zilio, “Canadians continue to support immigration, despite concerns it would be election issue, new poll says.”