The promise of Canada as a welcoming land, a place where newcomers could build a life, seems to be fraying at the edges. As the nation grapples with the consequences of rapidly increased immigration levels, a growing chorus, including many immigrants themselves, questions whether the federal government has adequately prepared for this influx. This concern over a perceived lack of planning for newcomer integration is rapidly becoming a defining issue as the country looks towards the next federal election.
The core of the problem, as articulated by individuals who have navigated the immigration system, is a disconnect between policy and reality. Joana Valamootoo, who arrived from Mauritius in 2012, recalls receiving the support needed to succeed. She observes a stark contrast today, suggesting that recent immigration increases, particularly over the last three years, were implemented without a corresponding strategy for successful settlement. This perceived failure, she feels, fuels resentment and unfairly scapegoats immigrants and international students for wider societal issues like housing shortages and strained educational systems. The sentiment echoes concerns from municipal associations, like one in Saskatchewan, where a significant portion of residents surveyed favoured reducing immigration levels.
Who bears responsibility? While specific policies fall under the purview of the federal government, the critique extends to the broader political landscape. Sanjeev Kumar, a Calgary restaurant owner who immigrated in 2008, notes a tangible rise in anti-immigrant feeling, exacerbated by economic anxieties. He points to intense competition for jobs, even minimum wage positions, and the struggles faced by newcomers, particularly international students lacking funds for basic necessities. Kumar expresses disappointment with the current political leadership, contrasting the seemingly more controlled approach under a previous government with what he sees now as a lack of balance and foresight. He suggests neither major party offers a compelling vision beyond reactive measures, failing to address the fundamental need for robust economic planning alongside immigration targets. A critical question arises: has any level of government, even in specific communities like Barrie, Ontario, undertaken proper planning for this growth?
This lack of a coherent newcomer integration plan is further compounded by tangible cuts. Settlement organizations, the very bodies designed to facilitate integration through language training and employment support, are facing reduced federal funding. Ali Abukar, leading the Saskatoon Open Door Society, highlights the irony: as Canada reduces immigration targets, the support systems for those already here, and those still arriving, are weakened. This occurs despite the acknowledged economic contributions of immigrants and international students, not least in sectors like construction, which is vital for addressing housing shortages. Abukar cautions against hasty reversals in policy, emphasizing that immigrants remain essential to Canada’s labour force.
What is needed, therefore, is not simply a debate about numbers, but a serious examination of the infrastructure – social and physical – required to support population growth. The focus must shift towards a sustainable, phased approach to integrating newcomers, ensuring they have pathways to residency, employment, and full participation in Canadian life. This involves addressing systemic issues: job market capacity, affordable housing, accessible education, and adequately funded settlement services. The upcoming Canada Election 2025 platforms will inevitably address immigration, but voters like Valamootoo and Kumar are looking beyond rhetoric for a genuine newcomer integration plan.
The challenge for political parties Canada faces is clear: articulate a vision that balances immigration goals with a concrete strategy for integration. Simply adjusting intake numbers without addressing the underlying support structures ignores the lived reality of newcomers and the anxieties of the existing population. Building an inclusive and equitable society requires more than welcoming words; it demands foresight, planning, and sustained investment in the success of all residents, both new and established.
