New immigrants are worried about Canada’s economy: Leger survey

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Nearly six out of ten newcomers to Canada (59 per cent) have a low degree of confidence about economic conditions in the country, according to a new Leger poll.

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Economic concerns were widely shared among immigrants to Canada, with more than half (51 per cent) classifying their financial situation as poor. By comparison, just a third of Canadian citizens describe their finances in similar terms, the survey found, which will be discussed in a webinar on Wednesday.

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The economic headwinds Canadian newcomers are experiencing have translated to less than half (46 per cent) claiming to be “somewhat positive about their personal finances.” Only just over a third of new arrivals (38 per cent) said their income exceeds their monthly expenses, while over half of the community expressed worries about monthly savings, the financial stability of their investments and unemployment. Consequently, many acknowledged to Leger they had cut spending to accommodate a tighter budget.

A central concern for Canadian immigrants is their legal status in the country. Nearly two-thirds (60 per cent) cite it as a cause of employment difficulties in the job market, while four in ten believe it hinders “their ability to rent an apartment.” Such hardships are leading a quarter of newcomers to consider leaving Canada altogether. However, two-thirds still stand by their earlier decision to immigrate, saying they would choose to move to Canada again, a figure that has remained unchanged since spring 2024.

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This appears reflective of the general optimism amongst Canadian newcomers, with 80 per cent expressing hope that the country will uphold its values of multiculturalism and diversity, and 51 per cent agreeing that newcomers enrich national culture and improve the economy. However, a minority (40 per cent) still believe Canadians hold racist attitudes and barely over a third (34 per cent) feel proud of sharing their immigrant status.  

Notably, the growing backlash over Canadian immigration levels — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in late October that the government would slash intake numbers for 2026 and 2027 — appears to be shared among the new arrivals. Half now view the country’s policies as too lenient, with two-thirds citing large-scale immigration as contributing to worsening housing availability and affordability issues plaguing the country.

The poll also found that big box retailers are increasingly favoured shopping spots for newcomers. Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of respondents ranked Walmart as their preferred grocery store, followed by Costco (20 per cent), No Frills and Real Canadian Superstore. The vast majority of new arrivals (93 per cent) prefer shopping in-store for groceries as opposed to online shopping.

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“Our research highlights the critical role retailers play in supporting newcomers to Canada. From offering culturally relevant products to fostering inclusive environments, retailers have a unique opportunity to bridge gaps in cultural connection and meet diverse needs,” Lisa Covens, the vice president of public affairs for Leger, told the Post in an emailed statement. “Retailers have the power not only to adapt to changing demographics but to actively shape a more inclusive and connected Canada.”

The online Leger poll surveyed 2,098 newcomers to Canada. A third of respondents were citizens, 37 per cent were permanent residents, 17 per cent held a work permit and a tenth were in Canada on a student permit. The largest ethnic groups sampled included South Asians (20 per cent) followed by white (17 per cent), Black (12 per cent), Filipino (11 per cent) and Middle Eastern (11 per cent).

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