Editor’s Note: This submission is contributed to +1News by Steven Paolasini, founder of SJP Immigration. He is an engineer, a RCIC by profession, and an Economist by Interest. Read more from Steven. Submit your Opinion to be featured on +1 News.
The federal government is currently facing a significant challenge: an overextension in temporary residents. Consider the 800,000 students admitted in just one year, plus 3.8 million visas—which translates to a 10% surge in Canada’s population—all while numerous inland applicants await permanent residency (PR) decisions.
The government’s actions hint at a “shiny new toy syndrome“. While many in the industry might skirt around the issue, I voice the stark reality. Canada’s situation is dire. What’s the value of a minimum wage if it doesn’t support basic living? We’re amidst a cost of living crisis, a predicament I anticipated due to the undermining of our productive sectors and the amplified influence of the government over recent years.
A story by ANNE MICHÈLE MEGGS from Globe and Mail pointed out in detail the impact of significant rise in Temporary residence visa holders. More outlets & stakeholders have been sounding the alarm , the Immigration Minister Marc Miller said that Ottawa is not considering cutting the Immigration targets, amid the increased pressure on housing.
By training, I am an engineer, by experience an entrepreneur, and at heart, an economist. Yet, this government seems blind to pressing concerns like inflation and currency devaluation. Their decision to tax the very fuel vital for our food supply chain is deeply troubling.
In this backdrop of systemic failure, it’s baffling that nearly 5% of our annual Express Entry quota is earmarked for potentially underqualified candidates. Even as top-tier engineering graduates, the best of our educated workforce, struggle to secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA), the government is rolling out invites to those with scores as low as 375, simply due to their CLB 7 level in French.
Is this the benchmark for Canadian employers? Notably, this criterion is reserved for those choosing to reside outside Quebec. Currently, we’re navigating the repercussions of COVID-19’s economic disturbances and ensuing immigration system disruptions. The scales are tipped.
Such decision-making is reminiscent of the “shiny new toy syndrome” often seen in misguided business strategies. There’s a clear tilt towards newer entrants, sidelining the vested stakeholders. Bachelor’s degree-holding graduates, contributors to our economy for years, represent the core objective of our Express Entry program.
Yet, it’s disconcerting that many can’t attain PR even after a seven-year wait, whereas a French-proficient individual with scant experience is readily invited from overseas. Bringing them to primarily English-speaking regions in Canada, with no job prospects, zero local experience, and a mere 15k for settlement, is a formula for struggle.
This will leave many newly minted permanent residents questioning why they’ve come to Canada in the first place.
