A new Abacus Data survey conducted from September 12 to 17, 2025, reveals that Canadians place immigration among the top five national issues, with 28% of respondents ranking it as a priority. The poll of 2,230 adults highlights shifting voter concerns as Parliament resumes, showing affordability, crime and safety, healthcare, housing, and immigration dominating the public agenda.

Immigration as a Rising Priority

While affordability remains the leading issue for most Canadians, immigration now sits in the second tier of top concerns. According to the survey, 37% of Conservative voters consider immigration a top issue compared to 20% of Liberal voters. This sharp partisan divide underscores how immigration policy has become a key differentiator between the country’s main political parties.

Importantly, when asked which party is best equipped to manage immigration, Canadians gave the Conservative Party a significant 43-point advantage over the Liberals (60% vs. 17%). This gap shows that many Canadians want clearer immigration strategies tied to labor market needs, housing capacity, and integration policies.

Top Issues Canadians Care About

The survey results show a changing national mood, with crime and safety gaining prominence alongside traditional concerns like affordability and healthcare.

This shift highlights a rising sense of unease among Canadians about both economic pressures and social stability.

Immigration Policy and Political Debate

Immigration is increasingly linked to broader debates about housing affordability, healthcare access, and labor shortages. As Canada relies on immigration to fill workforce gaps and support population growth, public opinion on how many newcomers to welcome and how quickly to integrate them is becoming central to national politics.

Parties are positioning themselves differently:

• Conservatives emphasize stricter controls and aligning intake with housing and infrastructure capacity.
• Liberals continue to defend current levels while focusing on long-term economic benefits.
• With both major parties tied at 40% in overall voting intentions, immigration could be a decisive issue in future elections.

The latest Abacus Data poll confirms that Canadians place immigration among the top five national issues, reflecting its growing importance in everyday life and politics. With affordability pressures and housing shortages already dominating the public conversation, immigration will remain at the heart of Canada’s policy debates in the months ahead. For those considering moving to Canada, these findings underscore how immigration is not only a personal journey but also a national discussion shaping the country’s future.