2010 Immigration Plan
Disturbing Trends, says Jim Karygiannis

As I read the Harper government’s “2010 Immigration Plan” it became increasingly obvious to me that the view of this government is “If you have money, you are welcome to immigrate to Canada.  If you don’t have money or are in need of protection, don’t bother!”  

As I compare the classification and numbers of immigrants in the 2010 Plan with the plans from previous years a very disturbing trend appeared.  Economic Class immigrants has increased from 133,746 in 2004 to 149,072 persons in 2009, while Protected Persons (refugees) has fallen from 32,685 in 2004 to 21,860 persons in 2009.  

Another disturbing trend is the drop in the number of Skilled Workers coming to Canada and the rise in the number of Temporary Workers.  Skilled Workers immigrate to Canada bringing with them the skills that Canada needs to continue to grow and prosper – they develop ties to Canada.  Temporary Workers receive a permit to be in Canada (usually for one or two years) and then must return to their home countries taking their skills with them.  Temporary Workers develop no ties or loyalties to Canada.  In 2004, 113,442 Skilled Workers immigrated to Canada and 90,668 Temporary Work permits were issued.  In 2009, only 103,736 Skilled Workers came to Canada, while 192,500 Temporary Work permits were issued.

In the past, Canada has been a place where immigrants could come and, with hard work, could prosper, build a future for their families and contribute to society and our multicultural fabric.  Canada has been a place where those who have been persecuted find refuge.  Under Stephen Harper and Jason Kenney, Canada is losing this reputation.  Under Stephen Harper and Jason Kenney, Canada is developing a new reputation – if you are privileged where you come from you are welcome in Canada, if you are middle-class and skilled we will use your talents but you can’t stay and if you are being persecuted, don’t bother to apply.  

Once again, Harper and Kenney are returning to their Reform roots.  They are creating divisions between the “haves” and the “have nots” – pitting one Canadian against another.   

This is not the Canada I want.  I am sure that it is not the Canada that most Canadians want.  We want our Canada back.

For CIC numbers, please see:

http://karygiannismp.com/7thpressreleases/2009ImmigrationNumbersCICreport.xls