Immigration has been a contentious issue in Canada for many decades, with both the federal and provincial governments having a say in who gets to land in what province. While immigration helps address the challenges of a declining population in most Western countries, it is often seen as a solution to a problem created by the same people who created the problem in the first place. The question of why there is not more policy encouraging families to have more children, and why families are not having more children, is often overlooked in the immigration debate.
The challenge of immigration is further complicated by the fact that big government and central planning egos often play a significant role in creating the problem in the first place. When big government keeps making decisions that are removed from the realities on the ground in provinces, it creates a problem. One solution to this issue is to reduce the powers of the central government and bring them back to the provinces, in some form of union or confederation, where the power is in the provinces. Alternatively, the provinces can separate from the federation and develop policies that are in the best interests of their citizens, such as reducing the tax burden and introducing policies that encourage larger families. Once separated, it is highly likely that a reunion will be established through alliances and agreements that are fairer and for the betterment of all.
The ability of a province to decide on immigration is complicated by the fact that it does not have the authority to control the movement of people between other provinces. For instance, immigrants who settle in Ontario can easily move to another province, and nothing is stopping them from doing so. One way for a province to have full control over its immigration policies would be for it to secede and establish its borders. Another way is to hope that the federal government will use common sense when it comes to immigration and collaborate closely with Provinces – the jury is out on this one for sure.
While immigration falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government, the provinces also have a say in immigration matters. According to Section 91(1) of the Constitution Act, the federal government has the power to “make laws for the peace, order, and good government of Canada.” This includes the power to regulate immigration and the admission of people into Canada. Under Section 92(1) of the Constitution Act, provinces have the power to regulate matters related to health, education, and social welfare. This means that provinces also have some authority over immigrant settlement and integration.
The challenge between federal and provincial decision-making on immigration arises from the fact that provinces have different needs and priorities when it comes to immigration. Some provinces, such as Quebec, have expressed concerns about the number of immigrants they receive and the impact it has on their social services and job market. Other provinces, such as Alberta, have expressed a desire for more immigrants to address labor shortages.
On the issue of illegal immigration, no government official should ever support or even entertain illegal immigration or any illegal activities for that matter. Illegal immigration creates challenges for both the immigrants and the host country and shouldn’t even be a topic of discussion.
As an immigrant myself, I left my home country in search of a better life – one filled with safety, freedom, and economic opportunity. I wanted to be welcomed in my new home, to be valued and appreciated for the contributions I could make. I didn’t want to be confined to a specific community or ghetto, but to integrate into the culture and community, this is why we chose Canada. I wanted my children and grandchildren to grow up with the values and beliefs of our new home, as we continue to share with them stories, food, and history from the lands we came from. That’s why I chose Canada – a country known for its peaceful and freedom-loving people and beautiful land. While I am really glad we immigrated to Canada, I have serious concerns about the direction the federal government is taking us. It seems that Canada is being driven off the cliff of socialism onto the rocks of communism. As immigrants, we generally hold back our opinions on the fall of Canada, as we don’t want to appear ungrateful. That said, it is now critical that all concerned common sense Canadians and Permanent Residences start raising our concerns out loud. While the word “assimilation” has a negative connotation in Canada, it is important for newcomers to be able to integrate into the new communities. In most other countries and cultures it is regarded as a positive thing and has to do with people’s ability to integrate into the culture they are choosing to come into. Canadians and Albertans should be proud of the country they have created. There is a reason why people choose Canada and not Cameroon. Canada has historically been a peaceful and free country … the future is still unwritten … let’s see…
There are 2 aspects to my conclusion. Firstly, Canada has a problem of size – the issues and challenges facing those in Quebec of Ottawa are not the same as those in Western Canada. Independent Provinces would ensure the Government is closer to the people it serves and make decisions based on the actual needs of that geographical region. Secondly, governments have for decades been introducing regulations and taxes that penalize families and make it challenging to have more children, hence we have a dangerously declining population. This problem did not just appear out of nowhere, it was created by the government. While it will take a few decades to fix, the government should immediately stop over-taxing its citizens and introduce legislation that encourages and makes it possible for Canadians to have more children.
Immigration is yet another solution to a problem created by the same people who created the problem. While it could be a force for good it must ensure a way for new immigrants to integrate into their new homeland. In the meantime, let’s push our leaders to start making a more family-friendly province and country.
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Jonathan Baynes is the new CEO of the Alberta Prosperity Project which is a not-for-profit education society committed to building a movement of supporters and educating Albertans towards a Sovereign Alberta WITHIN or WITHOUT Canada. Jonathan immigrated to Canada in 2012.