In the wake of a new wave of asylum seekers crossing the border in search of permanent residency, more than half of Canadians say this country is being “too generous” towards those coming in through irregular channels.

Since July 1, more than 7,000 people have walked across the border into Quebec to make asylum claims.

Now, a new public opinion poll from the Angus Reid Institute finds 53% of Canadians of the opinion the country’s approach is too giving – more than eight times as many as those who say Canada is not being “generous enough”.

Asked to weigh in on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s public statements about Canada welcoming refugees while also discouraging irregular border crossings, slightly more than half of Canadians (54%) say the PM’s messaging has been “unclear,” and a majority (57%) disapprove of the Trudeau government’s handling of the situation overall.

The Institute found that opinions divide along political lines: 75% of past Conservative voters say Canada has been too generous, compared to 45% of New Democrats, and 40% Liberals.

Asked how Canada should focus available resources, 70% would prioritize border monitoring and security over assistance to the new arrivals.

Looking to the future, some 43% of Canadians expect the number of irregular border crossings to increase “quite a bit” (23%) or “become a flood” (20%) before the end of this year.

Detailed report, tables, graphs, methodology
http://angusreid.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017.09.01-asylum-seekers.pdf

Link to poll
http://angusreid.org/asylum-seekers-quebec-refugees/

News Report: Asylum seekers almost quadrupled in July
http://www.torontosun.com/2017/08/17/number-of-asylum-seekers-crossing-quebec-border-nearly-quadrupled-in-july