A recent Nanos Research poll indicates that over half of Canadians prefer a reduction in the number of immigrants and temporary residents by 2027. this sentiment comes as Prime Minister Carney coordinates with provincial leaders to ensure immigration levels remain sustainable.
The 52.3 per cent shift toward lower immigration targets
According to a Nanos Research survey commissioned by CTV News, 52.3 per cent of Canadians believe the country should accept fewer immigrants and temporary residents in 2027. This represents a significant majority, leaving only 8.4 per cent of respondents who believe Canada should increase its intake. Meanwhile, 33.5 per cent of those surveyed expressed a preference for maintaining current levels, and 5.9 per cent remained undecided.
These figures suggest a hardenig of public opinion regarding the scale of Canada's growth.. The data indicaes that the appetite for aggressive population expansion is receding,as a majority of the population now views the current trajectory as potentially excessive.
Why the Prairies and younger Canadians are most skeptical
The desire for lower immigration is not distributed evenly across the country. As reported by CTV News, the Prairies showed the strongest lean toward reduction, with 58.3 per cent of respondents favoring fewer newcomers. Ontario and Quebec followed closely, with 53.5 per cent and 53.1 per cent respectively. In contrast, British Columbia presented a more divided view; while 43.7 per cent wanted fewer immigrants, it also recorded the highest support for maintaining the status quo at 41.2 per cent.
Age also plays a critical role in these perceptions. Canadians aged 35 to 54 are the most likely to favor a reduction at 56.4 per cent, followed closely by the 18 to 34 demographic at 56 per cent. Only 46.6 per cent of Canadians aged 55 and older want fewer immigrants. This suggests that younger citizens, who are currently navigating the most competitive phases of the housing and job markets, feel the pressure of high immigration levels more acutely than older generations.
The gap between 2026 targets and 2027 expectations
The public's desire for a slowdown stands in contrast to the immediate goals of the federal government. For 2026, Canada aims to accept 380,000 new permanent residents and an additional 385,000 temporary residents, including students and workers. The Nanos Research data suggests that the public is already looking past these 2026 targets toward a more restrictive 2027.
This trend appears to be stable rather than a sudden spike. The October findings are remarkably consistent with a March survey, where 52 per cent of Canadians expressed a desire for fewer immigrants. The slight increase to 52.3 per cent indicates a persistent mood of caution across the Canadian electorate.
Will Prime Minister Carney's talks with premiers yield a hard cap?
Prime Minister Carney has stated he is consulting with provincial premiers and ministers to keep immigration at "sustainable levels." However, the source does not specify what numerical value constitutes "sustainable" in the eyes of the government, nor does it detail the specific demands of the premiers involved in these discussions.
It remains unclear whether the federal government will translate this public dissatisfaction into a formal reduction of the 2027 targets or if the "sustainable levels" will be managed through stricter eligibility criteria rather than lower raw numbers. The report provides the government's general intent but lacks a concrete policy roadmap for the 2027 transition.
A reflection of Canada's housing and service strain
The shift in public sentiment is inextricably linked to the ongoing struggle to provide adequate housing and essential services. As the population grows, the strain on infrastructure becomes a primary driver of political discontent. The fact that 56 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 want fewer immigrants underscores a generational anxiety regarding the availability of affordable homes.
This movement is part of a broader global trend where developed nations are re-evaluating the balance between the economic benefits of immigration—such as filling labor shortages—and the social costs of rapid demographic growth. In Canada, the debate has moved from the economic necessity of newcomers to the physical capacity of the country to absorb them.
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