Canada admits record number of immigrants

An announcement made by Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, on 13th February, 2011 states that in 2010 a whopping number of 280,636 permanent residents were accepted by Canada.

.  The highest number in the last fifty years and six per cent more than the actual quota set by the Canadian government.  One of the reasons for such a high number of acceptances was to help “support Canada’s economic recovery” says Mr. Kenney. 

Canadian Prime Minister admits that abuse of immigration must stop.

Stephen Harper, Canadian Prime Minister called for a stop to what he called “abuse of immigration”.  However, some European leaders including the Prime Minister of UK admitted that they had failed to give the immigrants what they had come looking for – inclusiveness.

On the other hand a Danish resident voiced the fact that the immigrants came to a foreign land seeking what the country can do for them, instead of the other way round. He said when the immigrants understood their duties towards the country they adopted as home, things would be better. 

The abuse of immigration

Some blog comments say most of the immigrants become permanent residents of Canada to dump their children and aged parents in the country because of certain benefits, while they live and work in other countries.  Apparently this arrangement helps the immigrants to avoid foreign-student tuition fees and their spouses can avail the GST facility provided by the Canadian government.    Richard Kurland who is a Quebec immigration lawyer said he was irked to see “their (immigrants’) absence of contributions to our country.” 

The other side of the story

A lady who has been living and working in Canada for the past twenty years says “Clean up the Canadian racism which the immigrants face in his work place.”  She goes on to say even after twenty years of working she is described as not having ‘Canadian experience’ so crucial for promotion – she is still at the bottom where she had started in the first place.  Her husband sends money regularly from abroad, which helps her and her children to live comfortably.   

Bill introduced to treat justifiably with illegal immigrants and stop abuse of Canada’s Immigration System

Bill C-49 proposes to take harsher steps with the organised illegal human trafficking into the country by boats etc. whereas justice will also be enacted upon those who come solo with false documents. 

The Canadians blame the government

Sentiments are running high on both sides with the Canadians blaming the government for encouraging immigrants for vote-banks.  They raise issues like the immigrants crowding their cities, lack of English speaking neighbours and refute ‘multiculturalism’.

The immigrants have strong counter arguments and the slinging match can go on; but what could be a sane approach to a simmering pot boiler?