Canada’s immigration conversation is entering a new phase, as fresh national polling data reveals a noticeable shift in public sentiment. A recent Research Co. survey led by pollster Mario Canseco shows that nearly half of Canadians now believe immigration is having a mostly negative effect on the country. This marks one of the lowest levels of public support for immigration in nearly eight years.

The survey indicates that only 34 percent of Canadians now feel immigration is having a mostly positive impact. In contrast, 48 percent say immigration is having a mostly negative effect. This change reflects growing pressure on housing, health care, and public services, which many respondents now associate with high immigration levels.

While Canada continues to rely on immigration to support economic growth and labour market needs, the data suggests that public expectations around intake levels, program design, and settlement capacity are becoming more cautious.

Regional and Age Group Differences Shape Perceptions

The poll shows that views on immigration vary significantly across provinces and age groups. Quebec stands out as the only province where favourable views slightly outweigh unfavourable ones. In most other regions, negative perceptions are now dominant.

Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba all recorded majorities of respondents who believe immigration is having a mostly negative effect. British Columbia shows a narrower gap, with views more evenly split. Atlantic Canada also reflects increased concern.

Age groups reveal similar trends. Canadians between 35 and 54 years old now show the highest level of concern, with half of respondents in this group viewing immigration negatively. Younger Canadians aged eighteen to 34 and older Canadians aged 55 and above also report rising concern, highlighting that the shift is broad-based rather than limited to one generation.

These findings suggest that the immigration debate in Canada is increasingly shaped by real-world pressures related to affordability, access to services, and community capacity.

Calls to Reduce Immigration Levels Are Growing

Beyond general perception, the poll also measured opinions on future immigration intake. More than forty percent of Canadians now believe immigration levels should be reduced. About 35 percent would prefer to maintain current levels, while only a small minority support increasing intake.

This represents a major change from earlier years, when support for higher immigration was more common. The shift reflects a growing focus on system balance rather than expansion alone.

Concerns most frequently cited by respondents include strain on healthcare systems, housing availability, and the pace of population growth. These pressures are increasingly shaping how Canadians view immigration policy at both the federal and provincial levels.

What This Means for Canada’s Immigration Strategy

Canada’s long term growth still depends on immigration to address labour shortages, demographic aging, and economic development. However, this poll signals that Canadians are seeking a more balanced approach that aligns intake with housing supply, infrastructure, and service capacity.

Policy adjustments in recent years already reflect this trend, including tighter controls on international students, revised work permit policies, and recalibrated immigration targets. The public data reinforces the importance of careful program planning, stronger settlement support, and transparent communication about how immigration benefits both newcomers and long term residents.

For applicants and families planning their future in Canada, this evolving landscape highlights the importance of choosing the right pathway, the right province, and the right professional guidance.

Why Professional Guidance Matters More Than Ever

As public opinion, policies, and program priorities continue to shift, working with a qualified and experienced advisor becomes increasingly important. Immigration rules are becoming more targeted, more program-specific, and more sensitive to labour market and regional needs.

This is where expert support can make a meaningful difference. A certified Canadian immigration consultant can help applicants align their profiles with programs that remain strong and in demand. Through ImmigCanada immigration consulting services, applicants gain access to personalized strategy, up-to-date program insights, and end-to-end application support.

Under the leadership of Eivy Joy Quito, a Regulated immigration consultant, ImmigCanada continues to guide clients through complex federal and provincial programs with clarity and precision. For applicants seeking trusted guidance from the Best RCIC in Canada, ImmigCanada offers experience driven support designed to match today’s evolving immigration environment.

Canada’s immigration landscape is evolving, shaped by public sentiment, economic pressures, and system capacity. As programs become more selective and region-focused, applicants must rely on expert planning rather than assumptions.

Working with a certified Canadian immigration consultant ensures your profile is positioned correctly from the start. With ImmigCanada immigration consulting services, led by eivy joy quito, a Regulated immigration consultant, you gain access to professional strategy built around today’s realities. For applicants seeking guidance from the Best RCIC in Canada, ImmigCanada remains a trusted partner in achieving long term success in Canada.