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“Immigration: What does Canada need?”
Presented by Paul Kaplan
(See “Immigration Ideas” resource document by Karen Lynn below)
Questions
1. Why do people from all over the world immigrate to Canada?
2. Should the government of Canada encourage immigration to address Canada’s low birth rate?
3. Should the government of Canada target immigration to address specific labour shortages?
4. Is Canada’s point system for determining who is eligible for permanent residency fair? (Points are awarded on various criteria including age (the lower the better), education, work experience, years living in Canada on work permits, and scores on a mandatory language (English or French) proficiency test.)
5. Another basis for immigration to Canada is family unification. What should the criteria be for this?
6. Another basis for immigration to Canada is fleeing danger and seeking refugee status. What should the criteria be for those seeking refugee status?
7. Should there be quotas of any kind on immigration to Canada?
8. What challenges do newcomers to Canada face?
9. The government has greatly reduced Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC). What can be done to meet the need that this program fulfilled?
10. Is Canada’s multiculturalism a good model for integrating immigrants into Canadian society?
Immigration Ideas by Karen Lynn
Reasons for Immigration
Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for immigrants worldwide. The country boasts a robust economy, a welcoming immigration policy, and an inclusive society that values diversity. Key reasons for immigration to Canada include:
· Economic Opportunities: Canada offers a plethora of job opportunities, particularly in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and engineering.
· Quality of Life: With its high standard of living, excellent healthcare system, and top-notch education, Canada promises a better quality of life for many immigrants.
· Safety and Security: Known for its low crime rates and political stability, Canada is seen as a safe haven for families seeking a peaceful life.
· Family Reunification: Canadian immigration policies facilitate the reunion of families, allowing individuals to bring their loved ones to join them.
· Multicultural Society: Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism makes it easier for immigrants to integrate and feel at home.
Birth Rate
Canada's birth rate has been on a decline for several decades, which has significant implications for the nation's demographic and economic landscape. The current birth rate is below the replacement level, leading to an aging population and a shrinking workforce. Immigration plays a crucial role in offsetting these trends by bringing in younger individuals and families who contribute to the population growth and economic vitality of the country.
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/240925/dq240925c-eng.htm
Total fertility rate is an estimate of the average number of live births a woman can be expected to have in her reproductive life if she experienced, at each age, the fertility rates observed in a given year. Canada's rate has been generally declining for over 15 years and reached a new low in 2023 of 1.26 children per woman. This decline from 2022 to 2023 mostly reflects an increase in the number of women of childbearing age in 2023, as the number of births was similar in both years.
Canada has now joined the group of "lowest-low" fertility countries, including South Korea, Spain, Italy and Japan, with 1.3 children per woman or less. In comparison, the total fertility rate for the United States was 1.62 per woman in 2023.
A record-low was registered in 10 of the 13 provinces and territories, with the lowest fertility rate in British Columbia at 1.00 child per woman. From 2022 to 2023 fertility fell among women aged 15 to 44 years. To find out more, visit Fertility
Problems Faced by Immigrants
Despite the welcoming environment, immigrants to Canada face several challenges, including:
· Credential Recognition: Many newcomers struggle to get their foreign qualifications and work experiences recognized, which can hinder their employment prospects.
· Language Barriers: Proficiency in English or French is crucial for successful integration, and language barriers can limit access to jobs and social services.
· Cultural Adjustments: Adapting to a new culture and way of life can be challenging and may require time and support.
· Discrimination and Bias: Some immigrants face discrimination and bias in various aspects of life, including employment, housing, and social interactions.
Housing
One of the most pressing issues for immigrants is finding affordable housing. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have experienced significant increases in housing costs, making it difficult for newcomers to secure housing. The Canadian government and various local organizations are working to address this issue by providing affordable housing options and support services for immigrants.
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/240618/dq240618b-eng.htm Released: 2024-06-18
According to the most recent data from the Survey Series on People and their Communities (SSPC), in April 2024, slightly over 3 in 10 Canadians (31%) found it difficult to meet their financial needs in terms of transportation, housing, food, clothing and other necessary expenses in the past 12 months. During this period of higher living costs, Canadians may also need to work more hours to make ends meet. Indeed, about one-third (31%) of Canadians reported having a high level of satisfaction with the amount of free time they had to do the things they like.
Not all individuals are experiencing this period of economic contraction equally. Recent immigrants, for example, often report experiencing income-related challenges, which may affect their level of satisfaction with free time. Canada has admitted record numbers of immigrants in recent years, and to better understand the experiences of recent immigrants, this release presents an analysis using the April 2024 wave of the SSPC: Social Cohesion and Experiences with Discrimination.
English Language
Proficiency in English is essential for immigrants in Canada, particularly in regions where English is the dominant language. Language skills are critical for accessing employment opportunities, education, and social services. Canada offers various language training programs to help newcomers improve their English proficiency, integrate into society, and succeed in their new environment.
The federal government has sponsored free ESL classes for about 39 years. Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) grew to become the main offering of ESL in Canada.
However, data on the number of newcomers enrolled in LINC in 2025 is currently unavailable.
In January 2025, the government made a decision to cut LINC radically due to budget constraints and a shift in policy priorities. The reduction in funding was part of a broader effort to reallocate resources to other pressing issues within the immigration system, such as housing and settlement support services. This move sparked considerable debate and concern among immigrant communities and advocacy groups, who argued that language training is fundamental to successful integration and long-term economic contribution.
Advocates fear that failing to teach the English language sufficiently will result in unemployment of newcomers and a new cultural ghetto.
Culture
Canada is renowned for its cultural diversity and inclusivity. The country's multicultural policy encourages immigrants to maintain their cultural heritage while integrating into Canadian society. This has led to a rich cultural mosaic where various traditions, languages, and customs coexist harmoniously. Festivals, cultural events, and community organizations play a vital role in promoting cultural exchange and understanding among Canadians.
In conclusion, immigration to Canada is driven by various factors, including economic opportunities, quality of life, and family reunification. While immigrants face challenges such as housing affordability, language barriers, and cultural adjustments, the country's supportive policies and programs facilitate their integration and contribution to the Canadian society. The ongoing efforts to address these issues and promote a multicultural environment continue to make Canada a preferred destination for immigrants from around the world.