A recent Nanos poll shows that Canadians' support for immigration has declined, with 53% of respondents preferring lower immigration levels than the 2023 target of 465,000 permanent residents. This shift is a stark contrast to the high support seen in a 2022 Environics poll, where 70% expressed support for current immigration levels.
The report attributes this change to concerns about housing affordability, with 15% believing newcomers are driving up home prices. Canada faces a housing shortage, with experts estimating a need for 3.5 million new homes by 2030. While some suggest immigration could help by addressing labor shortages and lowering construction costs, the Royal Bank of Canada emphasizes the importance of skilled workers in the construction industry to improve affordability. Immigration Minister Marc Miller also emphasizes the need for newcomers to fill labor gaps, especially as many Canadians retire in key sectors like healthcare and trades.
