Repeat after me: "I told you so..."

Just weeks after the stink Federal Immigration Minister Kenny made over the possibility of decreasing numbers of immigrants being brought into Canada due to the downturn in the economy, comes this news out of Ontario from Nicholas Keung at the Star:

"Worried that it's losing talented newcomers to other provinces, Ontario is expanding its immigrant recruitment fast-track program despite the economic downturn.

The province yesterday announced reforms to the two-year-old program that allows it to "nominate" applicants for immigration based on labour needs and provincial priorities. The program is intended to help employers and multinational corporations in Ontario recruit and retain talented professionals, as well as investors.

"While the trend may be proof of Ottawa's success in spreading immigrants more evenly throughout the country, it could also threaten Ontario's long-term economic growth and competitiveness when the economy recovers. "Now, more than ever, it's critical that Ontario's employers have the resources they need to compete at home and abroad," Citizenship and Immigration Minister Michael Chan told a news conference yesterday at Toronto General Hospital."

Sometimes being right feels so good.

Immigration is a complex and difficult process. Many, many forces are stacked against immigration. But don't give into fear - the kind that is generated from the messages the Conservatives are currently peddling to the population about lowering immigration numbers.

Canada is a great country and those who want to make it their new home often represent the best and the brightest, the most ambitious of their native countries. If you believe in making a positive contribution to Canada and have the patience and determination to see the process through, have faith. Don't ask "why me?" ask instead, "why NOT me?"

As Red Green always said, "We're all in this together, I'm pulling for you."