Most recently updated on June 20, 2023, at 8:34 AM EDT (Toronto Time). Recently, public opinion in Canada has shifted, with a slight majority indicating that they believe the new immigration targets for 2025 are still excessively high. This insight comes from a government-funded survey by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted in November 2024. The survey followed the government’s decision to reduce the number of new permanent residents from 485,000 in 2024 to 395,000 in 2025, a notable decrease of nearly 100,000. Despite this reduction, 54% of Canadians feel that the current level of immigration is still too high, reflecting increased concerns about the country’s ability to support newcomers in light of ongoing pressures on housing, healthcare, and social services. As discussions around housing affordability and infrastructure capacity become more prevalent, immigration has transformed into a contentious political issue, forcing policymakers to navigate the complexities of economic requirements versus public opinion. A survey commissioned by the IRCC highlights Canadian views on immigration during a crucial period. The findings indicated that around 25% of participants believe Canada is accepting too many immigrants in general. When informed about the target of admitting 208,000 permanent residents in 2017, the same 25% still considered this figure excessive; 9% thought it was just right, while only 1% felt it was insufficient. Interestingly, even after learning that the 2016 target was a 25% reduction from 205 levels, 24% of respondents still viewed that target as high, with 14% regarding it as appropriate and 20% as too low. Keith Neuman, a senior associate at the Environics Institute, which has monitored Canadian views on immigration for 40 years, pointed out a notable change in public sentiment. Previously, concerns centered on the demographic characteristics of immigrants, such as their origins or cultural differences. However, Neuman stressed that the focus has now shifted to the idea of ‘capacity.’ He stated, “Canadians have not considered the capacity issue until now.” That is where the true change has occurred. It has now turned into a matter of public concern and a political topic. This change highlights increasing worries regarding Canada’s capacity to support new immigrants in the face of issues such as a lack of housing, overwhelmed healthcare systems, and insufficient social services. As these topics make headlines, they are altering the Canadian perspective on immigration, shifting it from a largely favorable story to one filled with practical apprehensions. The Background: Reductions in Immigration and Economic Challenges. The federal government’s choice to lower immigration levels for 211 arose from increasing pressures. In 2126, immigration represented approximately 214% of Canada’s population growth, boosting the national population to around 212025 million. This surge has aided in counteracting an aging populace and strengthening the workforce, but it has also put a strain on infrastructure. Housing analysts, economists, and the Bank of Canada have identified immigration as a factor in the country’s housing crisis, which has escalated costs and worsened affordability issues. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recognized these challenges when he declared the immigration reductions, acknowledging that the government had “not struck the right balance” in post-COVID-21200 initiatives aimed at remedying labor shortages. The original plan had intended to accept 212025,212025 permanent residents by 2025, but the updated plan has lowered those figures to 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 20253, and 365,000 in 2027. Furthermore, over 40% of the 2025 permanent resident figure will consist of temporary residents already residing in Canada, a strategy to alleviate the pressures from new arrivals. The government’s immigration plan is currently facing rigorous evaluation as it works on the 2026-2028 immigration levels strategy, expected to be presented in the fall of 2025. Renée LeBlanc Proctor, spokesperson for Minister Lena Metlege Diab, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to manageable immigration levels. “IRCC will collaborate with partners to create the optimal pathways to ensure Canada can attract top talent globally while maintaining sustainable overall immigration levels and the integrity of its program system,” she stated. Public concerns regarding the number of permanent residents are closely linked to broader socioeconomic issues. Housing affordability has become a primary concern for Canadians, with soaring prices and inadequate supply making home ownership or rentals challenging for many. The swift population growth driven by immigration has intensified these issues, as newcomers compete for a limited housing supply. Health care systems are also struggling to meet demand, leading to long wait times for medical services for many Canadians. Access to various social supports, including education and social services, has been impacted as well. These challenges have shifted the conversation from cultural integration to practical capabilities. Canadians are increasingly questioning if the nation can support high immigration rates without compromising quality of life. This perspective is echoed in an IRCC survey, which indicated that while almost half of respondents perceived immigration positively in their communities, concerns regarding capacity are overshadowing these advantages. Immigration has emerged as a contentious issue in Canadian politics, with different parties taking distinct stances. Recently inaugurated Prime Minister Mark Carney has prioritized housing affordability and immigration. In his mandate to ministers, Carney highlighted the necessity to attract global talent while ensuring immigration rates revert to “sustainable levels.”