On polarizing issues, a new report finds the differences between foreign-born and native-born Canadians are narrow to non-existent

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CALGARY —  Public debate has often emphasized differences between native-born and immigrant Canadians, but new research released today by the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy reveals that, on the issues of national unity, taxation, and political representation, there is remarkably little difference between their views. 

The short report, Immigrant attitudes toward separatism, political representation, and equalization, presents new data from a subsample of a recently commissioned Léger poll, comparing the attitudes of Canadians who immigrated to Canada with those of Canadians who were born in the country. 

Key Findings

• On a range of contentious issues, from national unity and separatism to equalization payments and political representation, survey results show strong alignment between immigrant and native-born Canadians. In every case, the gap between them is less than 10 percentage points—and as little as 0 to 4 percentage points on some issues.
• Nearly 1 in 4 immigrants believe their province is underrepresented, as do 1 in 3 Canadian-born respondents.
• When asked if all Members of Parliament should represent approximately the same number of people, 20 per cent of immigrants and 21 per cent of native-born Canadians strongly agree—52 per cent and 44 per cent, respectively, somewhat agree.
• On taxation, 57.5 per cent of immigrants and 54 per cent of respondents born in Canada feel they pay more in taxes than they receive in program benefits.
• On Alberta independence and Quebec separatism, again, the differences are narrow. Fully 57.5 per cent of immigrant Canadians and 54 per cent of native-born Canadians believe at least some Western demands should be negotiated, for the sake of national unity. With Quebec, 51.2 per cent of immigrants and 48 per cent of non-immigrants support negotiations.

“Immigrant views on issues of representation, taxation, and separatism are remarkably similar to those of native-born Canadians,” notes co-author Ava Peacock. “While political polarization certainly exists in Canada, the data suggest that the divide is not between immigrants and those born and raised here.”

The full report—Immigrant attitudes toward separatism, political representation, and equalization—is now available at aristotlefoundation.org.

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Media Contact

Cathy Simpson 
Outreach and Engagement Officer 
cathys@aristotlefoundation.org 
905-329-3548