A recent poll conducted in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) reveals that opinions on Canada’s immigration policies remain divided despite recent changes made by the federal government. According to the survey by Canada Pulse Insights for CityNews, half of the respondents in Toronto and the GTA feel that there have been no significant changes in the government’s immigration management since the adjustments were made.
When asked about the impact of the reduced immigration levels, only 23% of respondents in Toronto believed that the federal government was managing the immigration system better, while 27% thought it had worsened, particularly in their local areas. In the GTA, 27% said it was better, while 22% said it was worse.
The survey focused on opinions regarding the government’s handling of immigration, especially concerning international student permits, work permits, and temporary foreign workers. Nearly 60% of those in Toronto expressed that the country should continue to welcome newcomers but maintain the reduced levels, whereas 30% believed that no newcomers should be allowed in the foreseeable future. In the GTA, 37% opposed allowing newcomers, while 54% supported continuing to receive newcomers at the current reduced level.
When it comes to the types of immigrants that Toronto and GTA residents are willing to accept, economic immigrants were favored the most, with 84% in Toronto and 78% in the GTA agreeing. International students and sponsored family class immigrants were also accepted by around 48% and 45% respectively. However, opinions varied on admitting refugees and temporary foreign workers, with Toronto showing more openness compared to the GTA.
Regarding government support for newcomers, opinions were divided, with around one-third believing it was not enough, another third deeming it adequate, and the rest suggesting the resources could be better allocated elsewhere. Similar sentiments were echoed in the GTA.
The survey also delved into various beliefs surrounding immigration. While Torontonians had mixed opinions, GTA residents tended to lean towards certain viewpoints. Many disagreed that new immigrants had a positive impact, attributed the lack of job opportunities for youth to higher foreign worker permit levels, and blamed higher immigration rates for busy emergency rooms in hospitals.
Overall, the poll highlighted the contrasting viewpoints within Toronto and the GTA regarding immigration policies and their societal impacts.