I think that most Canadians who come into regular contact with immigrants have a positive view of immigrants.  And with regard to comparisons to France, Japan, etc., Canada is Canada -- the comparisons are of limited value.  
I wish I could remember the source, but a few years back I read something by a group of economists to the effect that by 2100, Canada's population will need to be about double what it is.  If that's the case, either accept that we need more immigrants, or toss out the birth control and get at it.