the CanadaVisa Team - 22 July, 2015
In contrast with a similar survey done in 1993, the Ipsos-Reid poll suggests that present-day Canadians are more comfortable with granting equal rights and opportunities to recent Canadian immigrants. Nearly two thirds of respondents believe that immigrants should have just as much say in Canada’s future as Canadian-born citizens.
Another recent study pegged Canada as the most positive nation toward new immigrants among a list of eight countries (including Germany, England, Italy, and the United States). Generally, the Canadian population recognizes the value of immigration and is not bogged down, as many of the other eight countries are, with “huge debates about cultures clashing, immigration amnesties, and whether [immigrants] are taking jobs from other people,” explains John Wright of Ipsos-Reid.
Three out of ten survey respondents felt that Canada should be increasing immigration numbers. With some economists declaring that Canada is presently at full employment, strong economic growth and expansion has translated into many unfilled Canadian jobs . Given the growing national concern about the lack of skilled workers in growth industries, fewer respondents are worried about immigrants taking employment away from Canadians. Canadians are welcoming skilled immigrants who can alleviate the labour shortages in order to maintain economic growth.
