As we get ready to vote on September 20th, let’s remind ourselves how immigrants and refugees contribute to building a stronger and brighter Canada.
Everyone contributes, regardless of the immigration stream by which they enter Canada. Immigration helps stem our employment gap across the country as more people retire than enter the workforce. Immigrants contribute to Canadian businesses and help them expand or pursue new and untapped markets. Immigrants of all streams volunteer and support community activities, and 85% take up citizenship. Whether family-sponsored, refugee, or economic immigrant, everyone contributes.
Read more, here.
Let’s Keep Conversations Positive
Whether we were born in Canada or arrived here as immigrants, we all share similar values:
- We want our families to be safe and secure
- We use our skills in business, the workplace, and our communities
- We contribute to a common tax base by spending money on goods and services
- We participate in our communities through sports, volunteering, and engaging in cultural and recreational activities
- We want to help others in need, including those affected by war, persecution, and human rights abuses
Read more, here.
Canada is a leader in supporting those fleeing violence, persecution, and threat of death. As a nation, we are a beacon of hope in often dark and turbulent times for some of the world’s most vulnerable people.
Once in Canada, refugees:
- Volunteer and participate in community activities
- Start businesses and become employed in a wide range of professions reflecting their unique skills and backgrounds
- Take up citizenship at high rates
- Build a society with unique perspectives, voices, and lived experiences, fostering a more resilient and tolerant Canada and positioning us as a world leader
Read more, here.
Did you know that the Government of Canada has many opportunities to strengthen immigration to our country? Here are few points recommended by the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) national report for a robust immigration policy:
- Develop more pathways to permanent residence for temporary foreign workers, particularly those in high demand and essential occupations
- Commit to increasing the government-assisted refugees target in each of the next three years to match or exceed the target for privately-sponsored refugees
- Develop a national strategy for collaboration and sharing information regarding promising practices for combatting the racism and discrimination experienced by immigrants and temporary residents
- Within a broader social policy agenda, develop more low-cost housing options that include newcomers across the country
- Increase the percentage of immigrants admitted through the family class of immigration, including parents and grandparents, and review the definition of family members for possible expansion
- Review career progression pathways for internationally educated healthcare professionals, reduce costs for relicensing, and encourage additional spots for medical residencies and clinical placements