Canada is a country built on diversity and immigration and is known for being welcoming of people from all over the world. Our vast landmass and relatively small population have long fostered a culture of openness to newcomers. Yet, as we face pressing challenges—housing shortages, rising homelessness, unemployment, strains on healthcare, high living costs, and stagnant wages— Canadians are beginning to question our high immigration rates. This debate was recently spotlighted during a Globe and Mail panel I participated in, titled “Immigration, Housing, and Infrastructure—Can Canada Afford to Keep Growing?” The crucial question is: Should we slow down immigration to reassess, or should we continue embracing unprecedented levels of newcomers?
Canada’s history is a testament to the incredible resilience and achievements of immigrants, a narrative that should fill us with pride and optimism for our future. Immigrants have inspired countless success stories, enriching our society and building innovative businesses. Their unwavering determination and remarkable accomplishments should serve as a beacon of hope, highlighting the immense potential of each newcomer. We must alter the discourse on immigration away from skepticism and speak of it with a positive, forward-looking narrative.
The benefits of immigration are vast and well-documented. The United States, despite current negative sentiments, owes much of its superpower status to the contributions of immigrants. Similarly, Canada, with its unique opportunity to leverage the power of immigrants and our multicultural society, can utilize its soft power to build a vibrant country that attracts business development, investments, and innovation. Amid a global climate of polarization and xenophobia, Canada has largely maintained an inclusive stance, offering us a unique opportunity to leverage our diversity for the common good. This is not just a privilege but a responsibility we must embrace with pride.
We must reframe immigration as an opportunity, not a challenge. Canada’s strength lies in its people as the pioneering nation of multiculturalism. Here, individuals can embrace their heritage while thriving in Canadian society. This unique blend of cultures and perspectives is a powerful resource, enhancing our global trade, business, and investment relationships. By welcoming immigrants, we are not just addressing current needs but investing in a future of economic growth and prosperity. Immigration is not a threat to our identity but a testament to our openness and adaptability.
Instead of viewing high immigration levels as a strain on housing and healthcare, we should recognize immigrants as integral to resolving these issues. The narrative should underscore their role in constructing more housing and strengthening our healthcare system. Canada’s housing and healthcare challenges predate the recent influx of immigrants; the pandemic and increased immigration rates have simply brought these long-standing issues to the forefront. While many foreign-trained healthcare professionals encounter difficulties in practicing in Canada due to onerous standards, the Canadian government should incentivize and establish pathways to expedite their credential recognition. This ensures their skills are effectively utilized, benefiting all Canadians and contributing to our productivity rate.
Despite our current high levels of immigration, Canada is not actively recruiting like other nations, jeopardizing our ability to attract the most suitable talent. As our population ages, immigrants fill labour gaps and support essential services, playing a crucial role in our nation’s sustainability, growth, and prosperity. Immigration is not just a choice but a necessity for our future. We must continue to promote and attract top talent from around the world, ensuring Canada’s well-being and prosperity.
Embracing diversity through immigration is not just about filling gaps but about envisioning a prosperous future. It’s about leveraging multiculturalism to drive innovation, growth, and unity. We need to champion immigration as the cornerstone of Canada’s success, fostering an inclusive, dynamic, and thriving society.
