Country Region Essay

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Apr 3, 2024

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Abigail Adamson 4/10/23 Population Geography Word Count: 1018 Country/ Region Report Essay Canada’s Immigration System/Policies and its Effect on the Growing Population Introduction Worldwide, Canada is known for its welcoming nature taking most immigrants from mainly India and China. However, in recent years Canada has struggled with a shortage of labor of skilled workers, asylum claims, rising deportations, labor abuses by visa-holders, and uneven distribution of immigrants. Many of Canada’s immigration policies have pushed to welcome 500,000 immigrants by 2025 (Canadians for a Sustainable Society). While Canada’s immigration system is inclusive for many refugees and asylum seekers, immigration continues to rise creating problems for Canada economically, socially, and culturally. Economic Implications Canada’s economy thrives partly because of the contribution of the immigrants including fillings labor gaps, paying taxes, and just a larger number of people participating in spending money on goods, housing, and transportation. Because Canadians are living longer and not having as many children, there are fewer students and more retiring (Government of Canada). This indicates that there are fewer potential workers, and the immigrants fill that gap, especially in skilled labor. In 2015, there were four workers for every retiree, but by 2030, there will only be three workers for every retiree (Government of Canada). Without the immigrants, there would not be enough people to support the older retired Canadian population that continues to grow. Another reason immigrants are important to the economy is the specialized skills in science, technology, engineering, and math they can provide (Government of Canada). Canada supports this through the Express Entry program (Government of Canada). However, some critics argue

Abigail Adamson 4/10/23 Population Geography Word Count: 1018 that the increase in immigration and disregard for better policies will eventually lead to low- quality jobs, unaffordable housing, and high debt levels (Canadians for a Sustainable Society). Some also argue that the immigrants are willing to take a job for less pay, which then in turn takes the job from a Canadian citizen who would work for more (Canadians for a Sustainable Society). Overall, immigration in the present is boosting the economy, but it could have negative impacts if there is a continuation of large immigration numbers that are increasing the population without the resources to balance it. Social and Cultural Implications From the very beginning of Canada’s creation in 1867, they have been a diverse country with both English and French cultures. Most Canadians take pride in their ability to embrace many culturally diverse people, and there is a positivity associated with taking immigrants (an exception might include Arab and Muslim source countries because they are often seen as a threat). Canada recognizes the diversity in culture but can also come together as a common national identity (Harell). Immigrant education levels are higher in Canada than in the United States and Europe because of their inclusivity at any education level of immigrants. This includes many college/university level students and primary education students coming with their families. Canada promotes a “modern knowledge-based society” making immigrants more comfortable pursuing education and contributing to society afterward (Canada Statistics). This goes for the political and social engagement of immigrants as well. They are more involved in society because of general inclusion. Fifteen to twenty members of the Canadian parliament are minority groups (Canada Statistics). Nonetheless, there are instances in which certain minority groups create ethnic enclaves, where newcomers tend to cluster together, and form ostracized communities. Language, location, and cultural differences play a significant role in the

Abigail Adamson 4/10/23 Population Geography Word Count: 1018 integration of certain immigrants, and while Canada can have a welcoming nature, it is amiss to discount that every immigrant feels at home. Immigrants in Canada have better resources and available connections socially and culturally than other countries. Immigrants from non-french, white, or Christian countries may not fit in as well. Sustainability of Policy Recommendations and Managing the Policies and Population Canada’s policy for immigration status includes four main pathways. The federal high- skilled worker programs e.g., the Provincial Nominee Program, sponsorships from relatives, refugee programs (government and privately sponsored), and humanitarian cases where it is unsafe for one to return to their home country for a variety of reasons. The government utilizes a point system that assesses factors such as the ability to read and write, education level, age, and work experience or specialty. Additionally, they take family reunification into large consideration. The policies have been sustainable and successful in creating a diverse country because they prioritize the economic and social prospects that immigrants can offer. The sustainability of the policies in the foreseeable future is what critics have a problem with. The large population increases due to immigration have created a large housing demand, lots more dept, unemployment for Canadians, and congestion in bigger cities (Canadians for a Sustainable Society). The policy often overlooks the impact on the environment as well the large amounts of energy being used unsustainably and unlimitedly (Canadians for a Sustainable Society). There is also crowding in major cities because much of Canada is unlivable due to the climate creating congestion and a lack of jobs in these major cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, and Montreal (Cheatham, Roy). There are different takes on the sustainability of Canadian policies, especially for future generations, but as of right now, the policies Canada follows are promoting a very economically, socially, and diverse immigration system that many countries model from.

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