Ibbitson has it wrong on Bernier’s immigration policies. He clearly doesn’t know much about his own country. A drop in entrants from 300,000 to 250,000 is quite modest and would be in line with the levels of the past several years. Most immigrants themselves support reasonable levels and are almost certainly in favour of policies that encourage successful integration. To suggest that Bernier’s plan would create a rift between urban immigrants and other Canadians is simply off base. 

Despite what Ibbitson suggests, in addition to some support in Quebec, a strong Conservative campaign in the 905 belt around Toronto will make for a very interesting election in 2019 and possibly turn the tide in their favour.