Canada’s immigration points system is flawed, a new report says. Here’s how it proposes to fix it

More advocacy on need to focus on productivity:

Canada should revamp its immigration points system to better select those with the skills to boost productivity, a new report says, even if the changes might favour applicants from some countries.

Immigration has long been premised on newcomers being the engine of economic growth and prosperity, said the study by the Business Council of Alberta. But “cracks” have emerged with Canada’s recent population surge, which has magnified challenges in housing and health care.   

“That’s always been the promise of immigration over the years, but it hasn’t delivered recently,” said Mike Holden, the council’s chief economist and vice-president of policy.

“We need to make sure we’re selecting the right immigrants because otherwise that national consensus and that perception of immigration is going to continue to fall.”

Prompted by concerns over Canada’s rising immigration intake amid a stagnant economy, researchers looked at how the country selects skilled immigrants and released the report on Wednesday. The council recommends “a prosperity-driven immigration system” to ensure it delivers on its promise and grows Canada’s per-capita gross domestic product.

Although the Canadian economy is getting bigger as a result of a surging population, primarily driven by immigration, the report said productivity — an indicator of living standards — has been weak for decades and, more recently, has turned negative.

“We’re not getting wealthier. There are just more of us around,” said the 40-page study, titled “Delivering the Promise.”

“Future prosperity requires that the Canadian economy generate more value, not just because there are more of us, but because each one of us is better off.”

The business council’s own survey of Canadians released this month found less than half of the 2,300 respondents think immigration is good for Canada’s economy and standing in the world, society and prosperity; only 28 per cent believe the current approach is effective in its selection and support of immigrants…..

Source: Canada’s immigration points system is flawed, a new report says. Here’s how it proposes to fix it