Last week, I began a three-week trip through India and the Middle East. Upon arriving in India, I was struck by the country’s vibrant economy and the strength of its growing middle class. Western nations may still hold a belief that India remains an “emerging” economy, but the reality on the ground shows something different—India has already emerged. Yes, India’s per-capita GDP remains much lower than the West. Still, given that India has now overtaken China as the most populous country in the world with nearly 1.5 billion people, its geographic size and the growing dynamism of its middle class reveal an undeniable level of wealth and upward economic momentum that seems poised to continue for years to come.
In recent years, Canada has experienced a significant increase in immigration from India. Yet, our perspective often remains tied to outdated assumptions that immigrants come here solely to escape poverty or seek opportunity. While Canada’s reputation for high-quality education is a definite attraction for many immigrants, many Indian immigrants today no longer need to come to Canada to find opportunities. The recent scrutiny of Ontario’s public college-private partnerships has raised concerns about the quality and desirability of Canada’s education system. It has also cast doubt on the appeal for many international students and professionals to come to Canada. With the federal government now discontinuing three-year work permits for graduates of these programs, the attractiveness of Canada as a destination for opportunity may be waning further.
Meanwhile, Canada’s economy has been lagging, burdened by low productivity and antiquated policies and attitudes in many sectors, especially when valuing foreign experience. As I wrote in my last blog, many Canadian companies still insist on “Canadian experience,” a requirement that often disregards the international credentials and expertise immigrants bring. This policy affects not only Canadian competitiveness, productivity and economic growth but also our standing as a destination for attracting talented immigrants. The stance on ‘Canadian experience’ can significantly hinder immigrant integration into the Canadian job market.
India has long established a reputation for cultivating a highly educated workforce in tech and innovation, leading many tech companies to recruit talent from India to support diverse technology needs. It has also produced some of the most respected and admired tech leaders today, such as Sundar Pichai (Alphabet), Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Arvind Krishna (IBM), and Nikesh Arora (Palo Alto Networks). With this educated, tech-savvy workforce fueling India’s move toward an innovation-driven economy, Canada risks falling behind—not just in terms of talent acquisition but in productivity and innovation.
Observing the wealth and innovation in India has been eye-opening. It has underscored the urgency for Canada to acknowledge the shifting dynamics of the global economy, particularly those of India and other BRIC nations. Failing to appreciate immigrants’ skills and experience could set Canada on a path of talent loss and economic decline. Canada’s appeal to skilled immigrants could diminish, especially given India’s current trajectory and Canada’s growing need for talent. Addressing these perception gaps and policy issues is not just important; it’s vital for our nation’s future.
Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller announced a significant reduction in Canada’s projected permanent resident intake, adjusting it down from 485,000 in 2025 to 395,000, with further reductions to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027. This policy shift aiming to address mounting concerns in Canada over a strained healthcare system, severe housing shortages and unaffordability, increasing homelessness, and a sluggish economy with rising unemployment, which has contributed to a more skeptical view on high immigration rates. However, it also raises questions about Canada’s ability to attract and retain the talent it needs to remain competitive in the global economy.
Canada has stood out as a Western nation with an open stance on immigration, but growing societal pressures are beginning to reshape this perspective. While populism hasn’t taken root here as it has in many other Western countries, many Canadians feel that current immigration policies are placing added strain on already stretched resources. Yet, with the shifting global economy, marked by the rise of BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) as robust economic players, Canada cannot afford to limit immigration. As countries across the Western world, from Germany to Australia, face population decline and labour shortages, Canada will increasingly have to compete with these nations and BRIC countries, where talent may choose to remain rather than seek opportunities abroad.
Canada’s challenge is not immigration itself, but the lack of effective foundational systems that empower newcomers to succeed. Despite ambitious immigration targets, critical sectors like healthcare continue to face labour shortages, and credential recognition, upskilling and training systems remain slow to be implemented. The pressing need for modernizing systems across provinces to efficiently upgrade or recognise foreign credentials is evident. This change would help fill labour gaps in healthcare, technology, engineering, and other vital sectors and is necessary for Canada’s economic growth.
Canada must also create a business environment that supports immigrant entrepreneurs to foster economic inclusion. Significant tax rates and regulatory burdens often hinder small and mid-sized businesses, crucial drivers of immigrant success and economic growth. Tax incentives, grants, and low-interest loans could spur immigrant-led businesses, driving job creation and innovation and fostering economic diversity.
An open-minded corporate culture in Canada isn’t just desirable; it’s now essential. Immigrant talent brings fresh ideas and global perspectives that help to drive innovation and international growth. Canadian companies can build more inclusive, dynamic workplaces by embracing immigrant hiring and fostering diverse leadership. This approach not only spurs innovation but also strengthens the competitive edge of Canadian companies globally, making them more attractive for employment, partnerships, and investment opportunities.
Canada’s economic future depends on strengthening foundational systems and viewing immigrants as assets, not burdens. Even with reduced immigration, key challenges will persist without essential reforms. Canada must modernize credential recognition, create an inclusive business environment, and foster a culture that recognises and values immigrant contributions. Without these changes, we risk losing talent to other countries, limiting our growth and competitiveness. Building robust support for integrating immigrant talent is essential for Canada’s success in an ever-competitive global landscape.
