Two thirds concerned refugees will burden health, social system

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Two thirds concerned refugees will burden health, social system

Not seen to have positive effect on economy

TORONTO December 8th, 2015 - In a random sampling of public opinion taken by the Forum Poll™ among 1369 Canadian voters, two thirds are concerned Syrian refugees settled in Canada will create a strain on our health care and social services (63%), and as many as 4-in-10 are “very concerned” (42%). One third in total are not concerned (35%).

Majority not concerned about job loss to refugees

Just 4-in-10 are concerned refugees will take jobs from Canadians (42%) and just one quarter are “very concerned” (26%). The majority are not concerned about this (56%).

Refugees not seen to have positive effect on economy

Just one third of Canadians think the Syrian refugees will have a positive effect on Canada’s economy (32%), while the plurality, 4-in-10, think there will be no positive impact (41%). More than a quarter do not espouse a position on this measure (27%).

 “These are not encouraging indicators. Canadians think these new citizens will prove a burden on our already overtaxed public services and that they will do nothing to enhance the economy. That may be in part why they are not afraid of losing their jobs to the newcomers,” said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff.

Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. is the president and founder of Forum Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com or at (416) 960-9603.