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Most Canadians say no need for new immigrants: Survey
Respondents were closely divided on whether newcomers should culturally assimilate, with 51 per cent agreeing.
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Staff Reporter - Thu, 02, Oct 2025
- 01:06 EDT
- 16
Representative image / image - iStock
A recent survey by marketing firm Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies suggests that a majority of Canadians believe the country does not need new immigrants. Conducted online from August 29 to 31, 2025, the survey included 1,627 Canadians, though the sample size is too small to be seen as representative of national preferences.
The survey found that 60 per cent of respondents disagreed with the statement “Canada needs new immigrants.” Opposition was highest in Alberta (65%), Ontario (63%), and Quebec (61%), followed by Manitoba and Saskatchewan (60%), the Atlantic provinces (56%), and British Columbia (48%).
Canadian immigrants were slightly more supportive of future immigration than non-immigrants, with 52 per cent agreeing that Canada needs new immigrants, compared with 37 per cent of non-immigrants. Still, 48 per cent of immigrants disagreed.
Respondents were closely divided on whether newcomers should culturally assimilate, with 51 per cent agreeing that immigrants “should give up their customs and traditions and adopt those of the majority.” Support was highest in Quebec (60%) and Alberta (55%), and lowest in Manitoba and Saskatchewan (46%).
Interestingly, the survey results come when recent Statistics Canada data show that the number of non-permanent residents in Canada dropped for the third consecutive quarter. After peaking at 3,149,131 in October 2024 (7.6% of the population), the number fell to 3,024,216 by July 2025 (7.3%). The decline was driven by reductions in study and work permit holders, including those holding both permits.
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