At an immigration conference in Ottawa where international immigration experts were in attendance, Canada’s Immigration ministers stressed the positive impact of immigration to the country and its economy.
“We here in Canada understand that we need to keep talking to each other on this subject, to learn from each other the proven benefits of migration and the importance of working together to tackle the challenges of irregular migration,” says Ahmad Hussen, Minister of Immigration.
He goes on to say that his experience in his role has made him see how essential immigration is for Canada and other industrialized countries to help with labour shortages, aging populations, and declining birthrates.
“In Canada, I always knew intellectually and from reading reports just how crucial the injection of new immigrants and workers is to our economy. But it wasn’t until I became a minister and I traveled from coast to coast in Canada that I realized just how severe those shortages were and how small and medium and large businesses relied on workers to grow their businesses and contribute to the local economy. They’re one of the biggest champions of increasing immigration numbers into Canada.”
Accuracy on immigration facts are the “best weapon” against fear
Hussen added that immigration efforts should be supported to curb against rising anti-immigrant sentiment.
“The best weapon against fear is facts; facts don’t lie and the numerous studies continue to show that migrants make an enormous contribution to our economies and our societies,” he said.
“Our job as stakeholders as government as all of you working in [the immigration] space, is to fight fear with facts, to push the reality, the positive impact of immigration on the local economy, the positive role that immigration can and does play in meeting demographic challenges, in filling unfilled jobs, in bringing much-needed skills to countries like Canada. We need to highlight that, we cannot take those facts for granted, that everybody understands them or is aware of them.”
Hussen added that according to a United Nations report, Canada settled more refugees than any country in 2018.
“Instead of being the number one country for political prisoners, or the number one country for nuclear bombs, I’d rather be known as the number one country for compassion toward refugees,” he added.
“I’m proud that we have demonstrated to many other countries and politicians who have tried to use immigration as a tool to divide people, we have demonstrated through our government’s actions and through the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government that you can be both strong and effective in protecting your country and the health and safety of your citizens while being compassionate and open to refugees.
You don’t have to pick one or the other. You can do both, and we have demonstrated that.”
To learn more about your eligibility for immigration to Canada, contact Green Light Canada.
