FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
April 8, 2025 

TORONTO, ON — A new national poll of new Canadians by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) shows that new Canadians’ votes are up for grabs this election, with double the national average undecided rate and a significant number open to changing their minds before polling day. Affordability, healthcare, and housing rank among the top issues driving voter priorities in the lead-up to the 2025 federal election, with Canada-US relations the eighth most important issue. 

According to the survey of 2,397 Canoo members, 80% identified the cost of living as one of their top five concerns. Healthcare was next at 62%, followed by housing at 54%. Jobs, taxes, and economic growth also ranked highly, reflecting widespread concern over financial pressures and economic security. Unlike most polls of the general population, where Canada-US relations registers as a top priority, it was the eighth most important issue for new Canadians in this poll, with just 27% putting it in the top-five. 

“This poll gives voice to the concerns of Canada’s newest citizens and shows a high level of democratic engagement among them, with 92% intending to cast a ballot”, said Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the ICC. “Immigrants are clearly focused on making ends meet and building a stable future. And unlike many Canadians who have become attached to a specific party as a matter of personal identity, new Canadians are much more open to persuasion.” 

The survey of adult Canoo members was conducted online through the Qualtrics platform between April 1 and April 4, 2025. Online surveys do not have margins of error but a comparable survey with 2,397 respondents would have a margin of error of plus or minus 2.0%, 19 times out of 20. 

When asked who they would vote for if the election were held today, 36% of decided respondents said the Liberal Party under Mark Carney, while 29% supported the Conservative Party led by Pierre Poilievre. Support for the NDP stood at 4%, with other parties polling at 1% or less. 17% of respondents were undecided – more than double the general population average. 

Voter commitment has swung significantly, with one in three new Canadians having changed their voting preference in the past six months and 29% open to changing their minds before polling day. 

Survey participants were highly educated, with more than 80% holding a university degree. Most (over 70%) are employed full-time, and household incomes vary widely, with the largest group earning between $75,000 and $100,000 per year. 

“These data are a snapshot of a highly-engaged and talented voting bloc,” continued Bernhard. “Parties that want to connect with this growing demographic of committed Canadians need to speak credibly on affordability, access to healthcare, and housing if they plan to retain this talent in Canada long term.” 

The full ICC 2025 Federal Election Survey results are available here. 

-30- 

About 

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship works for a Canada where immigrants don’t just come, but stay, become citizens, succeed, and make Canada stronger, richer, and more interesting. 

Canoo’s growing network of welcome partners ensures that newcomers and their families can experience Canada’s most sought-after experiences as well as the tools they need to help call Canada home. Since 2010, Canoo has welcomed over 830,000 newcomer members. All recent permanent residents and new citizens can join Canoo by downloading the app for free. 

For more about the app and the growing list of benefits for Canoo members, please visit https://canoo.ca/. 

Media Contacts 

ICC / Canoo: media@forcitizenship.ca