Canada’s immigration system has long received strong public and even praise from many corners of the world. Not anymore.
A recent United Nations report criticized Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program, calling it a “breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery.” Where Canada went wrong is the key issue.
With an aging population, immigration has been viewed as a solution to Canada’s looming demographic crisis. It was also seen as a way to address pressing labour shortages that emerged following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the past few years, the federal government has significantly increased immigration levels, driving population growth in the process. In 2023, nearly 98 per cent of Canada’s record 3.2 per cent population growth rate was attributed to immigration.
These numbers are simply unsustainable, and everyone is paying the price for it.
As immigration-driven population growth continues to outpace the growth in housing supply, the rental market has come under increased strain. As a result, many newcomers are living in horrid conditions. Just earlier this year, 25 international students in Brampton were found living in a single basement rental.
Meanwhile, Canadian youth are facing record levels of unemployment, as employers are growing more reliant on international students and TFWs to fill entry-level jobs. Many Canadian youth rely on these jobs for their first work experiences and to pay for their education—thus, the consequences of high unemployment are all the more devastating for them.
While the federal government has taken, or is actively considering, steps to address the shortcomings of Canada’s current approach to immigration, more must be done.
First, we must cap immigration rates to match the growth rates in housing supply and the capacity of social services such as healthcare. Otherwise, we risk exacerbating the housing affordability crisis or prolonging wait times in our hospitals—something that will lower the standards of living for both newcomers and long-time Canadian residents.
It’s also crucial the government tailor’s immigration policies to meet the needs of the Canadian labour market. In other words, we must only it immigrants who are qualified for, and interested in, high-skilled or high-demand fields. That way, immigration can help address genuine labour shortages in Canada while also boosting our economic productivity.
We must ensure immigration doesn’t undermine Canadian work standards. If employers are struggling to find Canadian workers, perhaps the government’s immigration policies should encourage them to look inward before looking abroad to address their labour needs. Maybe, employers should be making their workplace more attractive for Canadians, or increasing their wages to meet the demands of the Canadian labour market.
Canada’s immigration system was once the envy of the world, and it can be again if we’re honest about the need for significant reform.
Vineeth is a fourth-year Health Sciences student and The Journal’s Production Manager.
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David
I found this article to be poorly articulated, its arguments ill ed. For instance, what the author claims to be “entry level” jobs are actually “low-wage” manual labor jobs, as stated in the article. Are Canadian youths willing to pluck weed for $30,000 a year to pay for their education? Are immigrant taking minimum pay manual labour intensive jobs the reasons for high unemployment rates? What Canadian work standards? Also if you are talking about immigration policies, then maybe try not to pain immigrants as the problem in your arguments.
Disappointed in the quality of journalism displayed here.