As support for immigration wanes, survey says optimism key to retaining immigrants

OTTAWA — As the political debate over immigration heats up again, a group that works to support newcomers says immigrants need a sense of both belonging and optimism to convince them to stay.

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship published a survey of roughly 5,000 immigrants Tuesday focused on how Canada can retain newcomers. The survey also found that a sense of security, faith in institutions and a strong economy can help determine whether an immigrant chooses to stay.

Institute CEO Daniel Bernhard said Canada needs to find ways to encourage immigrants to remain as outward migration increases, birthrates decline and the government makes plans to reduce the immigration intake.

"The discourse in Canada today suggests that all immigrants do is consume stuff. They consume housing, consu