The Global Story
Has Canada soured on immigration?
Jan 2, 2025
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.
26:30
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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