It’s not that uncommon for some to suggest that the idea of slowing down or halting immigration in Canada is racist. But it’s not.
A common argument in favour of maintaining high immigration levels is the need to bolster Canada's aging population. It is true that an influx of younger immigrants can help offset the issue by potentially alleviating the economic pressures associated with an aging society.
But Canada simply does not have the economic power and the infrastructure to sustain immigration, especially with the rising costs of living, inflation, inadequate housing and healthcare.
And I wish this was something I made up. The federal government itself acknowledged the immigration issue when Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced earlier this year that the feds will decrease the number of temporary residents from 6.2 per cent to 5 per cent by 2027, the aim of which includes easing the pressure on the housing market.
Temporary residents currently make up 6.2 per cent of Canada’s population.
There is also the issue with the job market. Canada is struggling to absorb the influx of new workers.
The unemployment rate in Canada rose to 6.4 per cent in June, the highest in 29 months, with the country losing 1,400 jobs during that month, according to Statistics Canada. Although, as of April 2024, it did lower to 6.1 per cent.
Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada, also told the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce in June that in May, the unemployment rate for newcomers in Canada was at 11.7 per cent. That’s practically double the national average.
But ultimately, population growth due to immigration is simply so much faster than job creation.
While there are still sectors that require skilled labour, the overall employment landscape is simply less robust than in previous years, when the federal government had to welcome a large number of immigrants to support its fast-developing economy and industries back in the mid-20th century for example, as well as in the early 2000s.
Many immigrants, despite their qualifications and experience, just find themselves underemployed or they’re working jobs that do not fully utilize their skills.
A temporary slowdown in immigration is not about closing doors or retreating from the Canadian values of inclusivity and diversity that Canada has once boasted.
A sound immigration policy is just about ensuring that we can continue to offer meaningful opportunities to everyone, by maintaining a balance between the needs of the population and the country's capacity to meet those needs.
It’s about allowing everyone the true opportunity to find the stability and prosperity they seek. And you can’t do that with a crashing economy.
