Half of Canadians say immigration levels too high: IRCC

Canadian HR leaders face growing uncertainty over talent pipelines as public opinion on immigration hardens, based on the findings of a recent survey. 

Currently, nearly half of Canadians say current immigration levels are too high - even as most acknowledge its role in addressing labour shortages, reports Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The 2025–26 Annual Tracking Survey finds that 47 per cent believe there are too many immigrants coming to Canada, while 38 per cent consider levels appropriate and eight per cent say they are too low. 

Sentiment is similar at the regional level, where 48 per cent of respondents say there are too many immigrants in their province or territory, compared with 36 per cent who believe levels are about right.

Just one per cent of population

Public opinion remains unchanged when Canadians are told the federal government plans to admit 380,000 permanent residents in 2026. IRCC reports that nearly half (48 per cent) believe this target is “too high,” while 37 per cent consider it “an appropriate level”. 

However, views shift when the same number is contextualised. The department notes that being informed that 380,000 immigrants is roughly one per cent of the current population had “a noticeable impact on opinions,” reducing opposition to 39 per cent. 

The IRCC survey also finds that 61 per cent agree that immigration is necessary “to sustain economic growth in the face of an aging population.” 

A smaller but still significant majority supports immigration’s role in workforce supply, with 52 per cent agreeing that immigration “is necessary to help fill skill and labour shortages in their local economy.”

Among respondents who support current immigration levels, labour demand is a key rationale, with IRCC noting that 15 per cent cite labour market demands and shortages as a reason for backing the 2026 target.

Previously, the Quebec Employers Council (CPQ) and 18 sectoral associations urged the provincial and federal governments to rapidly adjust immigration policies to prevent integrated temporary foreign workers from having to leave their jobs and the province despite persistent labour shortages.

Prioritizing jobless Canadians

Over half (56 per cent) of respondents to the IRCC survey agree that priority should be given to helping unemployed Canadians rather than recruiting skilled immigrants.

The rest are more likely to be neutral (27%) than to disagree (16%) that priority should be given to helping unemployed Canadians. Agreement is stronger in Alberta (61%), Saskatchewan (62%), Ontario (59%), New Brunswick (60%), and Prince Edward Island (60%), while disagreement is higher in Quebec (23%) and Newfoundland and Labrador (21%).

However, concerns about infrastructure and affordability are central to opposition. Among those who say immigration levels are too high, IRCC reports that 32 per cent mentioned issues such as housing availability and affordability, while 31 per cent highlighted jobs or the economy.

The survey shows that 54 per cent agree that immigration “has placed too much strain on public services in Canada,” and 55 per cent agree that immigration “puts too much pressure on the availability of housing”. 

High housing costs are making it increasingly difficult for Canadian workers to relocate for better job opportunities, limiting talent mobility and slowing national productivity growth, according to a previous report. 

Temporary resident levels draw mixed reaction

The IRCC survey also highlights divided views on temporary residents. Canadians are split on the federal government’s plan to reduce temporary resident levels to under five per cent of the population.

IRCC reports that four in 10 anticipate a positive effect nationally, while about three in 10 expect a negative impact and roughly one-quarter foresee no effect.

Despite concerns, Canadians are more likely to view immigration positively overall. The survey finds that 50 per cent feel that the effect of permanent and temporary immigration on the country “will be positive,” compared with 27 per cent who expect negative outcomes.

Cultural impacts are also seen as beneficial by many respondents. IRCC reports that 58 per cent agree that accepting immigrants from many different cultures makes Canadian culture stronger.