Intolerance of minority immigrants on
rise, Canadians worried about lax refugee policy, poll
suggests
OTTAWA (CP) - Canadians have become less tolerant of
minority immigrants over the last two years despite good
economic times, a government poll suggests.
But people are still far more tolerant than they were six
years ago, according to the Immigration Department survey
obtained by The Canadian Press.
The national poll, conducted by Ekos Research Associates
between Jan. 20 and Feb. 2, found that 27 per cent of
respondents believe too many visible minorities are being
allowed into the country. That's up from 22 per cent in 1998.
Opposition to visible minority immigration began rising in
1998 following a steady decline since 1994 when it was at 40
per cent, a report on the survey said.
The results are puzzling because they don't mesh with the
improving economic times - when people are typically more
tolerant - said the report, prepared by Ekos for Immigration
Minister Elinor Caplan.
The rise in intolerance to immigrants could be blamed on
the arrival of the Chinese migrants on boats last summer, said
David Matas, an immigration lawyer.
But it's harder to explain the results involving refugees.
The poll indicated nearly 50 per cent of Canadians believe
there are too many refugees coming to Canada.
The findings suggest views of Canadians toward refugees
hasn't changed much in the past decade.
Some 48 per cent of respondents said too many are refugees
coming to Canada - the same result as a similar survey
conducted in 1992.
Matas said Canada doesn't bring many refugees in and has
had trouble meeting its targets for some years.
Last year, Canada was hoping to bring in up to 29,300
refugees, but it got only 21,900.
"We never did meet our targets," he said. "You can say
there's too many human-rights violations in the world and
there are too many refugees. . .
"It begs the question whether we are taking too many
(refugees) in terms of our global responsibility, and I think
the answer to that is no."
While the poll suggested Canadians' view of immigration in
general is good, a government source says the change in
attitudes toward visible minorities is troubling.
The survey report suggests racism and intolerance persist
in Canadian society.
Respondents were asked how they felt about someone from a
particular background moving into their neighbourhoods.
The results indicated neighbours from Britain and France
made respondents feel better than neighbours from India,
Somalia and Algeria.
The survey was conducted among 1,859 people across the
country, and the results are considered accurate to within
plus or minus 2.3 percentage points 95 percent of the time.
The survey results came as the department is putting the
finishing touches on legislation to replace the outdated
Immigration Act.
The overhaul is expected to focus on what can be done to
close the back door to Canada.
That will likely please Canadians, the survey indicated.
Many more Canadians have become preoccupied with
immigration enforcement over the past decade, the survey
suggested.
Some 63 per cent of respondents said they worry that
Canada's "reputation as a safe and law-abiding country will be
jeopardized if we don't toughen our immigration enforcement."
A similar survey found in 1992 that only 35 per cent felt
that way.
In addition, 50 per cent of respondents felt the
immigration system is too lax and open, and 56 per cent felt
the same about the refugee system.
In all, 69 and 71 per cent of respondents say it's high
time for a "major rethink or adjustment" of the immigration
and refugee system.
Respondents rated safety and security as the most important
values guiding changes to immigration policies.
They also said the most important factors to be weighed in
changing immigration laws are keeping out terrorists and
undesirables, keeping out criminals, and removing those who
commit serious crimes in Canada.
Those were rated higher than factors such as reuniting
families, attracting high-skilled people and strengthening the
economy.
Figures from the latest federal government poll on
immigrants and refugees:
- 27 per cent of respondents said too many visible
minorities being allowed into Canada. Up from 22 per cent in
1998, down from 40 per cent in 1994.
- 48 per cent felt too many refugees allowed in, same
result as 1992 survey.
- 63 per cent worried Canada's reputation in jeopardy if
immigration enforcement not tightened, up from 35 per cent in
1992.
- 56 per cent said refugee system too lax; 50 per cent felt
immigration system too lax.
- 71 per cent said refugee system requires major rethinking
or adjustment; 69 per cent felt same way about immigration
system.
- 57 per cent dissatisfied with federal government's
handling of immigration system.
© The Canadian Press, 2000