Terence Corcoran Advocates for Return to Pro-Immigration Canadian Values
Terence Corcoran presents a compelling argument for reviving Canada's traditional pro-immigration stance, contrasting it with current bureaucratic challenges and shifting public attitudes. According to recent data, Canada hosted 2,847,737 non-permanent residents by the end of 2025, representing approximately seven percent of the nation's total population.
The Immigration Bureaucracy Challenge
Within this substantial population of non-permanent residents, Statistics Canada identifies 504,767 individuals categorized as "asylum claimants, protected persons and related groups," alongside 2,342,970 holders of work and/or study permits. The future intentions of these residents remain uncertain, particularly for the 298,128 Ukrainians who arrived through special programs following their country's conflict.
Most concerning is the bureaucratic reality facing potential immigrants: current estimates suggest approval wait times could extend beyond 55 years within Canada's immigration system. This staggering timeline represents a significant departure from Canada's historical approach to immigration, which traditionally operated with minimal political interference.
Shifting Public Sentiment on Immigration
Recent polling data reveals growing ambivalence toward immigration among Canadians, despite the nation's celebrated history of successful integration and diversity. An Environics Institute survey from late last year indicates that 56 percent of Canadians now believe there is "too much" immigration, with political affiliation strongly influencing these views.
The breakdown shows 80 percent of Conservative supporters hold this position, compared to 40 percent of Liberal supporters and just 30 percent of NDP supporters. This represents a notable shift from Canada's traditionally welcoming stance toward newcomers.
Comparative Analysis with United States
While Canadian anti-immigration sentiment appears less intense than the rhetoric emerging from the United States under President Donald Trump, polling reveals nuanced differences between the two nations. A 2025 American survey found that 28 percent of Americans favored increased legal immigration, with 49 percent supporting current levels.
Regarding undocumented workers specifically targeted by Trump's deportation plans, 65 percent of Americans support allowing them to remain and pursue citizenship—either immediately (43 percent) or later with penalties (22 percent).
On racial and ethnic diversity, perspectives diverge significantly: 40 percent of Canadians feel Canada accepts too many immigrants from racial minority groups, while 13 percent express no opinion on racial aspects. Conversely, 80 percent of Americans view diversity as beneficial to their nation, with 35 percent believing it makes America "a lot better," 17 percent "a little better," and 28 percent seeing no difference.
Policy Context and Economic Considerations
Despite these shifting attitudes, immigration ranks only seventh among Canadians' concerns about important national problems, just slightly above climate change—an issue that concerns merely three percent of the population according to polling data.
Immigration policy currently navigates two competing factors: economic considerations and human rights principles. Economically, immigration presents a paradox—viewed simultaneously as essential for economic growth and as potentially threatening to existing Canadian workers through job displacement and wage suppression.
Temporary foreign workers, asylum seekers, and refugees face additional scrutiny regarding public resource utilization. The Parliamentary Budget Office recently projected that providing healthcare to foreign nationals working in Canada will cost governments approximately $1 billion this year, increasing to $1.5 billion by 2030.
Corcoran's analysis ultimately calls for a return to Canada's traditional approach—one that welcomed immigrants with minimal bureaucratic obstruction and recognized immigration as fundamental to Canadian identity and prosperity.
