A majority of Canadians favour reducing the number of immigrants and temporary residents admitted to the country in 2027, according to a new Nanos Research survey commissioned by CTV News.
The poll found that 52.3% of respondents support lower immigration and temporary resident levels next year, while 33.5% believe admissions should remain unchanged. Only 8.4% favour increasing the numbers, and 5.9% remain undecided.
The findings come amid ongoing debates over immigration policy, housing affordability, public services and economic pressures.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that his government is consulting provincial premiers and federal ministers to ensure immigration levels remain sustainable.
Under Canada’s existing immigration targets, the country plans to admit 380,000 new permanent residents in 2026, alongside 385,000 temporary residents, including foreign workers and international students.
Public Opinion Remains Consistent Since March
The latest survey, conducted between October 31 and November 2, indicates that public attitudes toward immigration have remained relatively stable over the past several months.
A similar Nanos poll in March found that 52% of Canadians supported reducing immigration and temporary resident admissions, compared with 35% who preferred maintaining existing levels.
Support for increasing admissions declined slightly from 9% in March to 8.4% in the latest survey, while the proportion of undecided respondents rose from approximately 4.5% to 5.9%.
The results suggest that a majority of respondents continue to favour a more restrictive approach to immigration levels.
Prairie Provinces Show Strongest Support for Reductions
Regional findings reveal differences in attitudes toward immigration across Canada.
The Prairie provinces recorded the strongest support for reducing admissions, with 58.3% of respondents favouring fewer immigrants and temporary residents.
Ontario followed at 53.5%, while Quebec recorded 53.1%.
Support for reductions was comparatively lower in Atlantic Canada, where 44.2% favoured fewer admissions, and British Columbia, where 43.7% expressed the same preference.
British Columbia also recorded the highest support for maintaining current immigration levels, at 41.2%.
Younger and Middle-Aged Canadians More Likely to Favour Cuts
The survey identified notable differences across age groups.
Canadians aged 35 to 54 were the most likely to support reducing immigration and temporary resident admissions, with 56.4% favouring lower numbers.
Among younger adults aged 18 to 34, support for reductions was nearly identical at 56%.
Respondents aged 55 and older were less likely to favour cuts, with 46.6% supporting lower admissions. However, this age group recorded the strongest preference for maintaining existing levels, at 38.9%.
The findings highlight continued public concern about immigration levels as Ottawa weighs its future admissions targets and seeks to balance population growth with housing availability, infrastructure capacity and economic needs.
Survey Methodology
The Nanos Research survey was conducted between October 31 and November 2, 2026, using a combination of telephone and online interviews.
A total of 1,058 Canadians participated, with results weighted to reflect the country’s population.
The survey carries a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
