WHY CANADA WON’T HALT IMMIGRATION

Apr 29, 2020 - Despite the unprecedented times we live in, there are four major reasons why Canada will not halt immigration:

History: Canada is a country that was built by immigrants and its Indigenous peoples. Canada’s history of accommodating people from around the world continues to guide its efforts to accommodate newcomers so they can continue to support Canada’s economic and social vibrancy.

Geography: Canada’s geography is favourable when it comes to immigration since it can exercise strong control over who can enter the country. As mentioned above, this allows Canada to have high levels of public support for immigration and continue to welcome high levels of immigration.

Policy: Stakeholders across Canada recognize immigration is critical to sustaining its high living standards. Canada has an aging population and low birth rate, which is constraining its economic growth and creating fiscal pressures. As a result, immigrants are predominantly welcomed under the economic class to stimulate Canada’s economy and support its fiscal standing. Stakeholders work together to enact various policies to support the welcoming of immigrants and the integration of newcomers into Canadian society.

Politics: Immigrants account for over 20 per cent of Canada’s population and many citizens are second, third, and fourth-generation Canadians. Given that immigrants mostly reside in Canada’s largest cities, Canadian political parties usually need to appeal to immigrants in order to win power.