Majority of Canadians Support Reducing Immigration in 2025 Amid Housing Concerns

A recent Nanos survey for CTV News reveals that most Canadians believe the country should accept fewer immigrants in 2025 than in 2024.

Approximately 64 per cent of respondents preferred reduced immigration, with nearly three-quarters supporting cuts until housing becomes more affordable.

The survey found that 26 per cent of Canadians would prefer to maintain current immigration levels, while only 5 per cent advocated for an increase. This shift in public sentiment comes as Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced plans for “significant” changes to the number of permanent residents allowed into Canada, including stricter regulations on temporary foreign workers brought in during the COVID-19 pandemic to address labour shortages.

In August, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also hinted at upcoming changes to reduce the number of permanent residents. Recently, Miller revealed a 10 per cent reduction in international student permits, resulting in approximately 300,000 fewer study permits issued over the next three years. This year’s target for study permits stands at 364,000, reflecting a 35 per cent decrease from the nearly 560,000 permits issued in 2023.

Experts have warned the government that rapid population growth exacerbates a strained housing market. The survey indicates that 72 per cent of Canadians want immigration reduced until housing becomes affordable, with 49 per cent strongly supporting a reduction and 23 per cent somewhat supporting it. This represents an increase from September 2023, when 35 percent supported a reduction.

When asked about the economic impact of immigration, 40 per cent of Canadians believe immigrants strengthen the economy, while 29 per cent feel they weaken it. Regionally, residents of the Prairies (47 per cent) are the most likely to view immigrants as beneficial to the economy. In contrast, those in Atlantic Canada (34 per cent) are more likely to perceive them as detrimental.

Regarding refugees, the survey revealed that 46 per cent of Canadians want to see fewer admitted, 35 per cent support maintaining current numbers, and 15 per cent would like to see an increase. Canada’s immigration plan currently allows 72,000 and 76,000 refugees annually through three different resettlement streams.

The survey was conducted between August 30 and September 2, 2024, and included 1,093 Canadians aged 18 and older. The margin of error for this survey is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.