Ramos | Here’s what we get wrong when we talk about international students and immigration

Good commentary by my friend Howard Ramos on the important distinctions between immigration and migration, how Canada has shifted towards the latter and the need for separate but related analysis and discussion on each:

…The failure to deliver on the value-proposition of migration and immigration to Canada has led to a reputational hit. Many newcomers have given up on the country and are returning home or looking elsewhere to fulfill their dreams.

Canada needs to recognize it is not the only game in town for attracting scarce high skill talent in a world. Trudeau failed in his ambition to offer “deliverology” to Canada and to the newcomers seeking to start a new life here.

Recognizing that Canada has become a migrant country does not mean that it should turn away from international students and temporary workers. As provinces have cut funds to colleges and universities, international students play a vital role in making up the shortfall. They also create a vibrant academic atmosphere and learn the skills needed in Canada and their home countries. Temporary workers also fill acute labour shortages and make up for an aging workforce. And both are needed in Canada’s two-step immigration system that relies on “Canadian experience” as an important factor in obtaining permanent residence.

Canada needs some temporary migrants but also needs to seriously consider the economic, infrastructure, social and cultural repercussions of moving to a migration system from being only a permanent immigration system. To fully do that demands two conversations about immigration and not just one.

Source: Opinion | Here’s what we get wrong when we talk about international students and immigration