Celia Hatton, the BBC's Asia-Pacific editor, explores Canada’s shifting perspectives on immigration with a nuanced lens. For the first time this century, many Canadians are expressing concerns over newcomers amidst rising costs and a housing crisis. Hatton shares insights from her conversations with politicians and activists, highlighting the delicate balance between Canada’s multicultural identity and emerging public sentiment. She delves into the challenges faced by asylum seekers and the complexities shaping this vital national debate.
Public sentiment in Canada has shifted, with rising concerns about immigration levels attributed to the cost of living crisis and housing shortages.
The Canadian government is responding to immigration concerns by reducing quotas, yet many still feel these measures inadequately address deeper economic issues.
Deep dives
Canada's Evolving Immigration Narrative
Canada has traditionally prided itself on its welcoming immigration policies, boasting a significant portion of its population as first or second-generation immigrants. Recently, however, public sentiment has shifted dramatically, with a growing majority expressing concerns over immigration levels for the first time this century. Factors behind this change include rising housing prices and fears about the integration of newcomers into Canadian society, leading to protests from groups advocating for reduced immigration. This has sparked a debate about whether Canada can maintain its values of diversity and multiculturalism in the face of an overwhelming influx of asylum seekers and immigrants.
Challenges Faced by Asylum Seekers
As Canada grapples with escalating numbers of asylum seekers, many are finding themselves in dire situations due to inadequate support systems. Shelters are overwhelmed, leaving some individuals without access to basic necessities, such as homelessness in major cities. Organizations striving to assist these new arrivals report an increase in clients with complex needs and raised anxiety levels stemming from public discourse around immigration. Despite Canada historically having a high acceptance rate for asylum claims, processing delays exacerbate the struggles faced by those seeking refuge.
Government Response and Public Discontent
In light of growing public concern about immigration, the Canadian government has begun to adjust its policies, announcing a 20% reduction in immigration quotas for the future. This response aims to relieve pressures on housing and job markets while addressing the discontent among Canadians regarding rapid population growth. However, many citizens feel the measures are insufficient, as the underlying issues driving the cost of living crisis remain unaddressed. As the impending general election looms, the government's ability to resolve these issues while accommodating newcomers could reshape Canada's immigration landscape for years to come.
A majority of Canadians say too many people are being allowed in the country, for the first time this century. Multiculturalism and the acceptance of newcomers are central to Canada’s national identity. But amidst record-breaking population growth, a cost of living crisis and a shortage of affordable housing, many Canadians have begun to question whether the country has the capacity to keep accepting hundreds of thousands of migrants each year.
On this episode Azadeh Moshiri is joined by the BBC’s Celia Hatton, who has travelled across Canada speaking to politicians, activists and asylum centre workers about the Canadian immigration debate.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Peter Goffin and Alix Pickles
Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Frank McWeeny
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode