What to make of shifting Canadian attitudes toward immigration

At a time of economic insecurity, housing crises, healthcare shortages and social tensions, immigration tests the country’s values and future direction.

Jun 26, 2024 - 21:00

What to make of shifting Canadian attitudes toward immigration

Canada stands at a crossroads as its 157th birthday approaches. It’s navigating shifting immigration attitudes amid global and domestic challenges.

The ongoing politicisation and polarisation around immigration in Canada underscores a critical juncture for a country celebrated for its diversity. As Canadians grapple with economic insecurity, housing crises, healthcare shortages and social tensions, the immigration debate tests the nation’s values and future direction.

Recent research I conducted with two colleagues, drawing from more than three decades of data, sheds light on evolving Canadian attitudes toward immigration.

Between 1988 and 2008, there was a notable 41% decline in Canadians who favoured reducing immigration numbers. Yet, post-2008, this trend shifted, with Canadians who wanted reduced immigration levels rising to 40% by 2019.

This development signals more than just changing preferences; there are deeper socio-psychological and political dynamics shaping views on immigration.

Who merits inclusion

But let’s simplify that socio-psychological jargon. Imagine society as a bustling potluck gathering. You arrive with your dish – packed with your beliefs, values and biases. Looking around, you’re judging everyone’s contributions and figuring out where you fit in.

Social identity theory suggests it’s natural to categorise ourselves into “us” versus “them” using familiar facets of our identity, such as religion and ethnicity. Driven by our need for a...