**Canadians Express Growing Concerns Over Immigration Levels**

Recent opinion polls indicate a significant shift in Canadian attitudes toward immigration, with many citizens now believing that the country has too many newcomers and that this influx is negatively impacting the economy. This change in sentiment follows a period of unprecedented immigration levels, which have reached historical highs over the past five years. The current wave of immigrants is increasingly characterized by being young and low-skilled, diverging from the previous focus on skilled workers and economic potential.

Historically, immigration was viewed positively in Canada. A Nanos Research poll from 2010 revealed that 65.3% of Canadians considered immigration a “key positive feature” of the country. At that time, 60% of respondents were either satisfied with current immigration levels or wanted them increased. Only 32.4% expressed a desire to reduce immigration. In 2010, Canada welcomed 280,700 permanent residents, the highest number since the early 1900s, and this trend continued under the Conservative government led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Despite high immigration levels, public concern about immigration was minimal. In 2016, only 5% of Canadians identified immigration as a top national issue, compared to 34% who cited the economy and 14% who mentioned healthcare. The Toronto-based Environics Institute, which has tracked immigration sentiments since the 1970s, noted that 82% of Canadians viewed the economic impact of immigration positively in 2015.

However, perceptions began to shift in the late 2010s. By 2018, a poll from Angus Reid found that 49% of Canadians wanted to reduce immigration levels, while only 37% supported maintaining or increasing them. This marked a stark contrast to previous years when a majority favored higher immigration.

The decline in support for immigration correlates with a stagnation in Canadian living standards. Since 2015, per-capita GDP growth has slowed, and the real estate market has increasingly become unaffordable for many Canadians. As housing prices have surged, millions have found themselves priced out of the market, contributing to growing discontent regarding immigration.

The evolving public opinion on immigration reflects broader economic concerns and changing demographics within Canada. As the country navigates these challenges, the future of its immigration policy may be influenced by the shifting attitudes of its citizens.