As an individual who lived and worked in Toronto for nearly three years, Canada has always held a special place in both my professional and personal experiences. During this time, my family and I embraced Canadian society, with one of our most cherished milestones being the birth of our youngest child in Toronto. We integrated into the community, built lasting relationships, and undertook the meticulous process of working toward permanent residency, fulfilling all required assessments and documentation. However, the prolonged lockdowns induced by the pandemic ultimately prompted our decision to return to our home country, despite our admiration for Canada.
Our relocation to Toronto was facilitated by employment opportunities and professional qualifications, which substantially bolstered our ranking within Canada’s immigration system. Nevertheless, we encountered challenges as the points awarded under the Comprehensive Ranking System diminished with each passing birthday for the adults in our family. This aspect of the system can be particularly discouraging for otherwise strong candidates who find themselves penalized due to age-related criteria; despite the overall positive experience and meaningful connections formed during our time in Canada.
One key change is the elimination of LMIA-based points in Express Entry. In one round, our express entry score only missed by two points. With the removal of LMIA-based points in the Express Entry system, and the potential for lower CRS cutoff scores in the future, my application likely would have been approved under the new system and my family would still be living in Canada. Had we been awarded permanent residency; we probably would not have left.
With permanent residency, we could have gone back to the U.S. to visit family. Without PR or citizenship status, we could leave the country, but we could not get back in. If we were to leave Canada for any reason, it needed to be permanent or at least until the pandemic was declared over. When Omicron hit, we decided we were no longer willing to wait because there did not seem to be any political will to reopen the border. And of course, a few weeks after our move back to Arizona, an election was called, and the border was reopened.
It is essential to underscore the precarious nature of work visas within the Canadian immigration framework. Termination of employment typically invalidates the visa, placing individuals in a precarious situation where they may be compelled to leave the country promptly. International moves are expensive. This reliance on employment status creates a dependency dynamic, granting significant leverage to employers. It is not uncommon for employers to make promises to entice employees to move to where they want them, then change the dynamic so those promises are forgotten and turn into threats to get the employee to continue to do what they want. For prospective immigrants, this reality necessitates a careful evaluation of the quality of life being left behind, the trustworthiness of your employer, and the conditions awaiting them in Canada.
A Balancing Act: Economic Needs vs. Infrastructure Strain
One of the primary concerns highlighted by experts is the strain that increased immigration may place on Canada’s infrastructure. While elevated immigration targets aim to address labor shortages in key sectors, they also raise significant questions regarding housing affordability, healthcare accessibility, and the broader capacity to support a growing population. Major urban centers such as Toronto and Vancouver are already contending with escalating housing costs, and an influx of newcomers could further exacerbate these challenges without strategic planning and investment.
Conversely, Canada’s aging population and declining birth rates underscore the necessity of attracting younger, skilled workers to sustain its economic trajectory. Immigration has historically been a cornerstone of Canada’s national identity, and welcoming new talent is seen as a viable solution to long-term demographic and economic challenges. A growing population is necessary for sustained economic growth. Birth rates are declining in North America and many other parts of the developed world.
A population that is growing too quickly certainly can put a strain on things like infrastructure and services. A population that is aging and shrinking will lead to less demand for goods and services, a shortage of workers, and strain the medical system. This will make economic growth difficult, which will in turn be a hinderance for the growth of asset values like stocks and housing. For individuals aspiring to remain in Canada, the nation’s attributes—including climate stability, food security, and quality of life—continue to make it an attractive destination.
The Human Element: Stories of Determination and Hope
Having experienced Canada’s immigration process firsthand, I am well-acquainted with the perseverance demonstrated by individuals and families striving to establish themselves in a new country. My family’s pursuit of permanent residency was not unique; countless newcomers navigate rigorous requirements with the hope of securing a brighter future. While our journey ultimately led us to return home, others find their aspirations fulfilled by Canada’s promise of safety, prosperity, and inclusivity.
The recent policy shift, however, raises a pivotal question: Will these changes cultivate a more inclusive environment or present additional barriers to integration? For those who remain, addressing challenges such as affordability and equitable access to services will be paramount. For Canadians, the long-term implications of these policies hinge on the government’s ability to balance economic imperatives with social sustainability and infrastructure management.
Perspectives on Canada’s Immigration Policies
The proposed immigration reset elicits a spectrum of perspectives among Canadians. Some express apprehension about whether the nation’s resources can sustain the projected increase in immigration. Others view the policy as an essential measure to ensure Canada’s competitiveness in the global arena.
What is your perspective? Do you perceive the new immigration policies as a strategic opportunity or a potential strain on Canada’s infrastructure and resources? How might these changes influence the nation’s future trajectory? As stakeholders deliberate on this critical juncture, it is imperative to consider not only the immediate outcomes but also the broader and longer-term implications for Canadian society and its economy.
