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Sixty-eight percent of Canadians believe that multiculturalism helps to moderate extremist influences. However, 58% expressed concern that the loyalty of immigrants may suffer if they maintain too strong an attachment to their countries of origin while becoming Canadian.
Convincing majorities of Canadians link social advantages to immigration: 65% think that there are strong to moderate benefits in terms of health care and public pensions; 79% see a strong to moderate benefit in terms of know-how and culture; and 73% feel that immigration contributes to Canada's competitiveness.
These are some central findings from a new survey released today by the Centre for Research and Information on Canada (CRIC) and conducted by Decima Research.
The poll was conducted to help inform discussion at The 2005 Canada Conference, Leaders of Today Engaging Leaders of Tomorrow. The conference, which marks the centennial of Alberta and Saskatchewan's entry into Confederation, will be held October 16-19 in Edmonton. The Canadian Unity Council (CUC) and the University of Alberta are conference hosts.
CRIC is the research, communications and citizen participation program of the Canadian Unity Council. The poll also explores Canadians' attitudes to Aboriginal and immigrant communities.
