ANALYSIS: Scrutiny of Values Held by Immigrants to Canada Increases Amid Israel–Hamas War

While Canada has long been known as a safe haven for refugees and a welcoming place for immigrants, polls show an increasing concern among Canadians that newcomers may not share some key national values. These concerns relate, in part, to the Israel–Hamas war—particularly the degree to which immigrants may sympathize with Hamas or hold anti-Semitic views. A Leger poll from November 2023 shows 78 percent of Canadians are concerned about “how a conflict thousands of miles away is having an impact on communities here in Canada.” And 51 percent said the government should “do more to encourage newcomers to Canada to embrace Canadian values,” including liberalism and respect for other faiths and races....