Madhany: Immigration is our future

Not convinced that centralizing immigration in PCO/PMO will make much difference given the overall degree of centralization of this government. Whether more consultations with the provinces and stakeholders (interest groups) would be more effective, arguably existing consultations have resulted in today’s mess:

….At the same time, last year, 1.2 million immigrants arrived in this country, the highest level ever recorded in this country’s history. Canada also broke the 40-million mark in terms of population. This population influx has heightened strains and fractures in longstanding, complex issues around housing affordability, health care, economic mobility, and more. 

Complex issues require cohesive solutions. So, as we enter a new parliamentary session, we ask for the government to bring a holistic approach to this critical issue. That includes centralizing the issue at the federal level in the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council Office. That includes incentivizing collaboration and ensuring accountability at the provincial level. And that includes ensuring that immigrant leaders and immigrant-serving organizations have a seat at the table when these issues are being discussed, along with employers, regulators and others invested in the success of this country and its newest residents. 

Immigrants are and must be part of the solution to complex issues facing Canada and our global community. From the health-care industry to the construction industry, and from Ontario to the Northwest Territories, we can bring our skills and our abilities to bear across the nation to help move this country forward. We are ready to work together with all levels of government and stakeholders who serve newcomers to create the long-term immigration strategy Canada desperately needs. We believe immigration is our future, and we are ready to dig in together to make it happen.

Shamira Madhany is the managing director for Canada and deputy executive director at World Education Services.

Source: Immigration is our future