Most Canadians think immigration too high, putting pressure on health system: Leger survey

A majority of respondents to a nationwide survey said they think Canada is allowing too many immigrants into the country.

Majorities also said immigrants are contributing to the housing crisis, putting pressure on the health and school systems and are contributing to the affordability crisis.

The poll, by Leger, was conducted online between Nov. 24 and 26.

Among its findings were that:

• 53 per cent of respondents said the 465,000 immigrants the federal government plans to welcome this year is too many

• 75 per cent said immigrants contribute to the housing crisis

• 73 per cent said immigrants put pressure on the health system

• 63 per cent said immigrants put pressure on the school system

• 45 per cent think immigration is having a negative impact on Canada

• 9 per cent said Canada should welcome more immigrants than last year

• 43 per cent said Canada should welcome the same number of immigrants this year

• 37 per cent think fewer immigrants should be welcomed to Canada

The survey also found that large numbers of respondents have positive views of migrants, including that:

• 76 per cent think immigrants increase cultural diversity

• 72 per cent think immigrants play a key role in growing Canada’s population

• 63 per cent think younger immigrants contribute to the workforce and tax base, supporting older generations

• 56 per cent think immigration is necessary to combat labour shortages

Meanwhile more than half – 54 per cent – said Ukrainian refugees in Canada to escape the war in their country should be granted permanent residency.

Read the full survey here.