New Poll Shows Support for Immigration Remains High
Recent polling conducted by Narrative Research for the New Brunswick Multicultural Council (NBMC) reveals that while Covid 19 has changed many things in the province, support for immigration is not one of them.
The random telephone survey took place from May 9th to 20th and included 400 adults in New Brunswick with a mix of rural, urban, francophone, and Anglophone respondents. Overall, the survey found:
- Residents feel that immigrants be allowed to come to New Brunswick to fill job vacancies in essential services (76%), and a similar portion feel it is important for international students be allowed to come to help sustain colleges and universities in New Brunswick (75%).
- Eight-in-ten residents feel it is important for immigrants with highly specialized skills be allowed to come to fill job vacancies (82%). A similar portion of residents feel that immigration will be important in helping New Brunswick’s economy grow (80%).
The report is the first publicly released poll on attitudes towards immigration in Canada, during the global pandemic. While it does not reflect views in other parts of the country, it does illustrate the priority that smaller jurisdictions place on addressing their aging demographic and declining labour force.
“These polling results show us that New Brunswickers understand the importance of immigration for the economy.” Said Moncef Lakouas, President of NBMC. “This should be encouraging for recent newcomers and those aspiring to move here – our population wants you here.”
“Before Covid struck, the top concern from the business community was access to talent and it remains one of the top priorities.” Said John Wishart, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton. “As we move through re-opening towards recovery, immigration is going to be critical to getting businesses and the economy back on a path to growth.”
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