As a brief preface, the thoughts stewing in my head over the past few months have really been centred around Canadian policy, both domestic and foreign. How does this policy affect poverty? How does it affect Canadian's awareness and attitude towards poverty? What is our ability to steer the direction we move?
So, accordingly, I'll start a first discussion regarding Canada's recent adjustment in immigration policy for Mexican and Czech Republic refugees.
I understand the importance of keeping tight fiscal controls in a gloomy economic climate, but I'm not quite confident in how this shift fits with our Canadian culture.
We exclaim our multiculturalism when it's useful to leverage.
A generalization to be sure, but I think it's fair to say that Canada is seen as a nice, accepting, and multicultural society from a global perspective. Our statistical diversity of ethnicity, national origin, religion, etc. provides a backing for these claims. Further, the historical clout of being bilingual frames deeper evidence for acceptance. This idea of kindness and acceptance plays a role in our interaction with other global players.
Other countries, therefore, might value our approach to immigration, refugee support, and long term integration with the economy.
Is a move to limit immigration harmful to our leadership on a international scale? (It was quoted in the news section of The Economist this week). Or, will other countries follow suit as a means to cut costs?
Most importantly, what happens to the refugees who are affected most by the limitations? What other countries can they move to? How are their opportunities reduced?
And for the refugees who do make it to Canada, what policies can we drive forward to foster their comfort and "success" in the country? How do you even define a "successful" immigration story?
Some thoughts that have been floating around in my head the past few days. Would love to hear what you guys think.
