# Toronto Residents Evaluate Newcomer Support Services Poll reveals mixed public sentiment regarding integration resources and municipal newcomer support. - **Source:** [CityNews Toronto](https://toronto.citynews.ca) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b0623861-4dde-48eb-b56f-e56ea801f8b6 ## Public Perception of Integration A recent poll by Canada Pulse Insights indicates that most Toronto and GTA residents believe their communities provide sufficient support for newcomers. Specifically, 57 percent of respondents agreed that settlement programs are adequate, while 61 percent felt language-learning options are sufficient. These findings reflect a generally positive outlook on local integration services. ## Employment and Refugee Support Regarding economic and humanitarian aid, 56 percent of participants agreed that enough help is offered for employment searches. Meanwhile, 52 percent of residents expressed satisfaction with current refugee settlement supports. Despite these figures, the survey highlights a clear divide when addressing the specific needs of newcomers entering the local labor market. ## Housing Affordability Concerns Housing remains a significant point of contention for residents in the region. Approximately 28 percent of Toronto residents and 25 percent of those in the GTA stated that there are not enough suitable, affordable housing options for newcomers. Conversely, 29 percent in both areas felt that current provisions are already too much. ## Immigrant vs. Native-Born Views Perspectives on refugee support vary significantly between immigrants and Canadian-born residents. Notably, 38 percent of immigrants believe their municipality provides too much support for refugee settlement, compared to 30 percent of those born in Canada. These groups otherwise remained largely aligned on most other questions regarding the adequacy of local community services. ## Federal Funding and Demographics Opinions on federal funding for newcomer intake are split across the region. In Toronto, 29 percent of residents believe funding is excessive, while an equal percentage argue it is insufficient. Age also plays a role, as residents aged 35 to 54 were the most likely to report that support levels are currently too high. ## Grading Local Community Performance Despite generally positive feedback on specific services, the overall performance of communities received a C+ average grade. In Toronto, 11 percent of residents assigned an A grade, while 6 percent gave a failing mark. The GTA saw slightly higher satisfaction, with 14 percent of respondents awarding an A to their local community services. ## New Federal Immigration Targets The survey was conducted prior to the government's announcement of new immigration targets through 2029. The plan aims for 380,000 permanent residents and 370,000 temporary residents annually. Additionally, the government intends to transition 200,000 long-term temporary residents to permanent status by 2027, potentially adding over 600,000 permanent residents to the national population next year. ## Methodology and Statistical Context Canada Pulse Insights surveyed 510 Toronto residents and 825 GTA residents between September 14 and 25, 2026. The study utilized an online panel platform managed by Sago. The margin of error is reported at plus or minus 4.3 percentage points for Toronto and 3.4 percentage points for the GTA, 19 times out of 20. ## Sources covering this story - https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/11/11/toronto-gta-residents-say-their-communities-do-enough-for-newcomers-poll/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._