OMNI’s Rhea Santos discusses political shifts among Canadian immigrants

Rhea Santos covered politics and elections in the Philippines during her almost two-decade stint at GMA News. Now, she is doing the same, and more, in Canada as anchor-video journalist for OMNI News.

The veteran journalist recently appeared on The Big Story, a popular podcast in Canada, to talk about a poll commissioned by Canadian marketing firm Leger for OMNI News. The poll focused on the shifting political allegiances among Canadian immigrants.

Canada has long been recognized for its openness to immigrants and temporary residents, including many Filipinos. Currently, 23% of the country’s population are immigrants.

According to Santos, the poll​ aimed to understand where most immigrants align politically and which party they believe can address the challenges they face, especially as a federal election could be called at any time.

“The poll wanted to check on how newcomers feel about being scapegoated for the housing and affordability crises Canada is in. Through this data, we are giving a voice to immigrants and newcomers who want to be heard on Canada’s pressing issues​. And just like last year’s poll, we wanted to know if being here is still the fulfillment of the Canadian Dream they have expected,” she explained.

The poll, conducted from August 17 to September 9 among 15,000 immigrants, also had conservative leader Pierre Poilievre topping the list of Canadian leaders whom new immigrants would most like to share dinner with, followed by liberal leader Justin Trudeau and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh in second and third, respectively.

Listen to the episode below: