Canadian dream frays for new immigrants

A recent poll conducted by Leger for OMNI News reveals that while most newcomers to Canada remain pleased with their decision to immigrate, there is a growing dissatisfaction with the government.

The survey, carried out between August 28th and September 9th, 2024, among a sample of 1,500 immigrants, shows that political loyalties have shifted since their arrival, as the realities of living in Canada—such as affordability, policy concerns, and personal success—pose unexpected challenges.

OMNI provides a wide variety of locally produced and curated content in over 40 languages, including news, current events, and entertainment in Arabic, Cantonese, Filipino, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Punjabi.

Here are some of the key findings from the poll, according to OMNI News;

Blaming Immigration

As the housing affordability crisis continues to impact Canadians across the country, a majority of immigrants feel they are being unfairly blamed, as they themselves see the dream of home ownership slip further out of reach.

The poll found that nearly seven in 10 new Canadians think politicians are using immigration as a “red herring” to distract from other factors contributing to the lack of affordable housing, such as government policies and economic conditions.

The OMNI-Leger Poll found that owning a home is part of the Canadian Dream for 85 percent of newcomers, with more than double compared to last year defining that Canadian dream as the ability to purchase one’s own home.

But the possibility of achieving this dream appears to be bleak, according to many respondents.  Forty-nine percent disagreed that home ownership is a possibility for all immigrants who come to Canada.  Of those who are currently renting, three in 10 polled say they will never be able to buy a home.

Overall, 54 percent of immigrants feel that they are being blamed for a problem they did not create.

International Students

The poll found that two-thirds of immigrants (67 percent), particularly those who have been in Canada for over six years, back stricter international student policies.  Support for stricter policies jumps to 77 percent among South Asian immigrants in particular.

International students are also at the heart of a growing debate about the economic impact of immigration – an issue that could play a key role at the ballot boxes when Canadians head to the polls.

The OMNI-Leger poll found that 8 in 10 immigrants believe immigration will be an important issue in the next federal election, while over half of respondents said immigration policies put forward for the election will influence the way they vote.

Shifting Political Allegiances

As the next federal election looms, seven in 10 newcomers say they are motivated to go to the polls and believe it is time for a change in government in Canada, according to the survey.

The survey found that 45 percent of immigrants have changed their political allegiances since moving to Canada, particularly those who say they intend to vote Conservative. 

Support for the Tories is stronger among newcomers who have been in Canada for six years or longer, but overall, 44 percent of respondents said they would cast their ballot for the Conservatives if elections were held today – an 18-point lead over the Liberals at 26 percent, while 19 percent would vote NDP. 

The OMNI-Leger poll found dissatisfaction with the current government tops the list of reasons provided by newcomers who said their political allegiance has changed, followed by poor immigration policies. 

Immigrants, particularly those who have been in Canada for more than six years, would rather share a meal with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre rather than NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh or Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 

The OMNI-Leger poll found that while 28 percent of those surveyed do not know which federal leader they would invite to dinner, 26 percent would like to break bread with Poilievre, compared to just two in 10 that would choose the current Prime Minister, while 13 percent chose Jagmeet Singh.

Barriers to Success

The poll found that more than half of immigrants (56%) say getting promoted or growing in a Canadian workplace is harder. The survey found the sentiment especially true for those who have been in Canada less than 6 years, younger individuals, and those who identify as BIPoC, particularly those of South Asian descent.

It highlights that the lack of recognition of foreign credentials is a key issue faced by immigrants looking to advance their careers in Canada. Furthermore, two in ten immigrants report additional barriers related to their accent or language proficiency.

The OMNI-Leger poll also highlights that over a third of immigrants have faced discrimination at work – with the majority citing ethnic, racial or cultural biases as a top reason for difficulty advancing their careers. These barriers are more salient amongst younger immigrants and those who identify as BIPOC.

Middle East conflict

The poll found that 71 percent of the immigrants surveyed want Israel and Hamas to lay down their arms. More immigrants are dissatisfied with Ottawa’s approach to the conflict at 41%, while 29% expressed satisfaction. Of those who believe Ottawa needs to do more, nearly half of immigrants believe the federal government should step up its diplomatic efforts and provide more humanitarian aid, while 27 percent would like Canada to welcome more Gazan refugees.

More than two-thirds of respondents also said Canada should focus more on domestic issues, and that there are too many protests and demonstrations from either side.