As an old feller who’s spent decades watching the ups and downs of this great country, I’ve got a few opinions about the direction we’re heading when it comes to immigration. Let me start by saying I’m not against immigration—far from it. Canada’s been built by people from all over the world, and I respect the hard work and sacrifices immigrants make to come here. But here’s the truth as I see it: we need to take a step back and reevaluate our approach. We simply don’t have the infrastructure, resources, or capacity right now to handle the numbers we’ve been bringing in.
The recent decision by the federal government to cut provincial nominee programs (PNPs) by half and lower immigration targets is a step in the right direction, even if it’s been met with criticism from some provinces. According to reports, these cuts mean fewer skilled workers entering Canada, leaving industries like healthcare, trades, and education scrambling to fill gaps. Provinces like Saskatchewan and Yukon are already raising concerns about how this will affect their economies. I understand their worries, but let’s take a moment to address the elephant in the room.
A System Under Strain
Canada’s healthcare system is stretched so thin that millions of us already can’t get access to a family doctor. How can we justify bringing in more people when we can’t even take care of those who are already here? The same goes for housing. Affordable places to live are few and far between, and homelessness is on the rise. Food banks are busier than ever, and our infrastructure—roads, public transit, schools—is struggling to keep up with the population we’ve got. These issues aren’t new; they’ve been building for years. Adding more people to the mix without addressing these problems first is like piling wood on a fire without checking if you’ve got enough water to put it out.
Jobs Aren’t Always the Solution
Some folks argue that immigration is necessary to fill job vacancies and boost the economy. And while that might be true in some sectors, let’s not ignore the fact that many immigrants come here with skills and qualifications that don’t get recognized. How many foreign-trained doctors and engineers end up driving taxis or working minimum-wage jobs because they can’t get licensed in Canada? It’s not fair to them, and it’s not fair to Canadians who were promised these newcomers would solve our labor shortages. Before we bring more people in, let’s fix the system so immigrants can actually use the skills they bring with them.
A Temporary Pause
What I’m suggesting isn’t permanent. Canada needs immigration, no question about it. But we also need a plan—a real, practical, long-term plan that addresses housing, healthcare, and job training. Let’s take a few years to sort out the mess we’re in. Use that time to build more affordable housing, streamline the healthcare system, and reform licensing processes for skilled immigrants. Then, when we’re ready, we can start bringing in more people again. This pause isn’t about shutting the door on immigration; it’s about making sure the door doesn’t fall off its hinges.
Final Thoughts
As someone who’s seen a lot in my day, I believe in the importance of doing things right, not just fast. Canada’s strength lies in its diversity, but we can’t keep growing without ensuring everyone—both new arrivals and long-time residents—has the support they need to thrive. Slowing down immigration for a few years might not be a popular opinion, but sometimes the hard truths are the ones that need to be said.
Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW