The Vancouver-based Asia Pacific Foundation’s 2019 national opinion poll showed that majority of Canadians were aware of labour gaps in STEM fields.
The 2018 survey polled 1,524 Canadians, 54% of whom agreed that Canada should “look to Asia” for new talents. Additionally, 74% opined that newcomers with STEM skills should be accorded more attention in the Canada immigration policy. Only 3% of Canadians desired birthplace as a factor in hiring while 40% emphasized on individual traits regardless of country of origin.
Immigration policies geared towards attracting talent from Asia seem more highly supported by Liberal Canadians, with 73% agreeing and only 48% of Conservatives supporting the policy. The difference in opinion may likely depend on different perspectives about Asian talent immigration across the political spectrum.