A new Institute for Canadian Citizenship–Leger poll reveals that 64% of new Canadians fear rising discrimination amid the pandemic, and many report being judged and targeted.
Launched as part of the institute’s #StandTogether campaign, the poll shows how discrimination is affecting newcomers, with 63% saying they worry every time they take public transit.
A total 2,471 respondents — including 956 new Canadians — completed the survey between April 27 and 30. The margin of error for the study was +/-2.5%, 19 times out of 20. New Canadians expressed significantly more concern around everyday activities because of discrimination, to the point that:
- 27% are worried about wearing a mask in public (vs. 21% of the general public)
- 49% are worried about going out to run errands (vs. 34% of the general public)
- 53% are worried about going out in public (vs. 35% of the general public)
- 33% are worried about telling people they work with about possible symptoms of illness (vs. 20% of the general public)
- and 63% are worried about taking public transit (vs. 47% of the general public). Among Chinese-Canadian new citizens who responded, a full 81% fear discrimination while taking transit.
Find the full polling results report here.
