Canada and Immigration - Assignment Example

Canada has a history of accepting large numbers of migrants. Since 1947 the Immigration Act went through numerous changes that saw an increase in immigrants from countries other than European countries as was the norm in previous years. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act that has been in effect since 2002 also helped to further diversify Canada’s ethnic communities. The challenges and changes that come with a group of people moving from one society to another have placed Canada under the spotlight with some favorable as well as unfavorable feedbacks. One has to be prepared to confront the challenges and aim at helping the new immigrant to settle comfortable in his new home regardless of his background and circumstances. The norm for migrants is to settle in suburban areas. However, there are many challenges that many migrants confront on a daily basis. Employment is one of the major challenges. One understands that it is difficult for persons who have no skills to enter into the job market but it is difficult to justify why someone having a tertiary education or who enters the country highly skilled have difficulty gaining employment once there are available vacancies. It would appear that those migrants who were educated in Western countries have a greater chance of finding employment in their field of work. Rather than frustrating the persons in finding other means of employment or taking jobs out of their scope of training the Canadian government should have an effective method of certification. This would shorten the wait period and assure the new migrant of employment in his field. It is very ironic that the country claims that there is a shortage of skilled workers yet the wait period is so long. Any society that encourages immigration on a large scale should ensure that certain measures are in place to deal with the new immigrant. Proper health care and services should be a priority of the governing body. Some refugees may suffer emotional and psychological setbacks that would respond favorably to treatment. There should be no hesitation in providing health services for immigrant. Failure to do so could lead to a burden on the society. Every township across Canada especially those that are a magnet for immigrants should employ adequate healthcare professionals to balance the system. Many immigrants are also trained in this area and this would lower the unemployment rate in this sector. Proper and affordable housing and accommodation is one of the challenges that the new immigrant has to face. While this situation may seem more difficult to be controlled finding suitable accommodation is one possible way of overcoming this challenge. Many landowners need to be educated as well as to how to treat foreigners. Discrimination against persons because of race, language, or dressing should be discouraged especially in communities that seek to embrace the new immigrant. As new settlers to a country the onus should be on the immigrant himself to learn the language of his new country. Notwithstanding, the community should make facilities available that would assist the new immigrant with assimilation into his new home. Especially if the community does not have a history of immigrant settlers, acquiring the languages English and or French will give the immigrant a better chance of finding worthwhile employment and of feeling more comfortable in his new environment. Most immigrants prefer to migrate to an environment where there is steady employment, easy access to social facilities and the opportunities to create better lives for themselves. Some places have tailor-made programs to aid in settling down while for others there is much to be desired. The city of London, Ontario tries to help the immigrant by implementing various programs and strategies geared in improving employment opportunities. While this is a welcome move and should be encouraged, there are other problems faced by the new immigrants that need to be addressed as well. Finding employment is a plus but more effort should be made to employ immigrants within their scope of training. The fact that many immigrants were able to find employment in the medical field outside the city of London shows that not being trained and certified in Canada is an artificial barrier constructed by some communities. Guelph on the other hand has been instrumental in creating programs to benefit the new immigrant. The fact that they are retaining new immigrants when compared to London indicates that the immigrant feels comfortable and secure in his new environment. The city’s success in its treatment and consideration of immigrants may possible stem from its historical ties with early settlers from as early as the nineteenth century. The different ethnic organizations could also serve as an impetus for other ethnic groups to collaborate. These groups are noted for helping each other and strengthen the bond between newcomers and the wider community. Governmental agencies alone should not be left to shoulder the burdens of helping newcomers. Non governmental agencies have always been instrumental in providing certain services that are lacking. These non governmental agencies can also serve as pressure groups to force the governmental agencies to develop necessary and important strategies. Guelph has a model program and other cities should strive to emulate their programs. The major needs of the immigrant have been taken into consideration and this is what makes the city a success in welcoming and retaining new immigrants. Although the city had no specific program that was geared at the retention of newcomers, for example, the variety of programs and facilities available that cater to the different needs became automatic programs in themselves. An important service exists that helps the newcomer to understand the justice system of the country. Many migrants face culture shock on entering a new society. A better understanding of the legal and justice systems in their new homes will help them to take advantage of the services as they see fit. Greater Sudbury while striving to attract francophone speakers has a viable program that helps children and youth. This is a necessary tool as children and youths have to be a part of the society that they find themselves in. their education, cultural awareness is crucial to their development and in helping them become worthwhile contributors to the community. Sometimes migrants can help to shape the political nature of their adopted countries. Once they acquire the necessary civil status which will enable them to vote they will most likely elect leaders who are sympathetic to their cause. Many politicians take this into consideration and work with new migrants as best as they can. Providing health services, employment, and supporting the youths can be a good way to start. Community based programs should also be encouraged. There are several things to be learned. The political situation in any country can change the fate of citizens so for the most part each person can become vulnerable at any time. Another learning experience is that it is very difficult to change the attitudes of people. The Canadian society should be cognizant of Canadian immigration policies. Many immigrants come to Canada from varied cultural and racial backgrounds. Yet, there is cries of racism and discrimination of certain persons. Tolerance and respect for each person regardless of race, religious beliefs or socio-economic status is another lesson learned. One also realizes that immigrants are willing to sacrifice certain things for a better way of life for themselves, their families and their birth countries as well. Fridere, J. S. Our Diverse Cities. Number 7, 2005. University of Calgary. Read More