A new survey conducted by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights highlights an increasing unease among Canadians regarding immigration and its perceived impact on the country. Over 40% of respondents voiced concerns that there is excessive focus on the rights of newcomers and refugees. This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety about immigration’s role in contributing to “economic strain” within Canada.
The survey, which included responses from 2,500 Canadians across the years 2023 and 2024, revealed that 56% of participants believe that refugees and asylum seekers receive too many benefits. This represents a notable increase from the previous year, when 49% expressed the same concern. Furthermore, the number of Canadians who believe that immigration benefits the country has decreased significantly, from 52% in 2023 to just 44% in 2024.
These findings coincide with recent announcements from the Canadian government regarding substantial changes to immigration policy. Ottawa has outlined plans to reduce the number of new permanent residents by 20%, targeting 365,000 by the year 2027. This decision has sparked widespread discussion and debate.
In a recent online video, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the issue of immigration, acknowledging that the government could have acted more swiftly in regulating immigration programs and pointing to “bad actors” who exploit the system. This video served as both an explanation for the reduction in permanent residency numbers and as a response to public concerns.
However, the Migrant Rights Network criticized Trudeau’s remarks, arguing that framing migrants as a burden and blaming them for systemic issues perpetuates harmful myths. According to Syed Hussan, a spokesperson for the group, such statements obscure the important contributions that migrants make to Canada’s economy and communities. The organization called for granting permanent residency status to all migrants to better protect their rights and integrate them into society.
The network also highlighted that systemic problems, such as corporate landlords and the lack of investment in public housing by provincial governments, are the true culprits behind the housing crisis, not immigration. They urged political leaders to address these root causes instead of deflecting blame onto migrants.
Beyond immigration, the survey “2024 Foresights for Human Rights” covered additional aspects of human rights in Canada. While only 11% of respondents identified access to affordable housing as a primary human rights issue, nearly 60% expressed concern that housing rights have weakened over the past decade. Despite these concerns, two-thirds of respondents reported optimism about the protection of human rights in Canada, particularly Indigenous rights and gender equity, although optimism was lower regarding human rights on the international stage.
Overall, the survey underscores shifting perceptions of immigration within Canada and highlights the complexity of the issues at hand. Understanding these perceptions and their implications remains crucial as policymakers and advocates work towards solutions that balance immigration with other national priorities.
For more details on this survey and its findings, please refer to the original article on CBC News.
