Immigrants feel positive about their Canada, but troubles remain

TheStar.com - Sharing a strong sense of belonging

Nice survey results article here noting the strong and positive connection Canadian immigrants feel to their new country. Here are a couple excerpts and I encourage you to read the artcile.

"Back home they say if you want to make a lot of money, don't go to Canada," he says laughing. "But if you want a peaceful, more civilized way of life, there is no place better."

"But there are several clouds on the horizon.

"Underemployment, discrimination and lack of cultural and political representation are immigration flashpoints reflected in the poll.

"The lack of recognition for foreign-trained professionals has made a cliché out of the Toronto taxi driver with a PhD. Employment is ranked as the most important issue governments should address among immigrants here less than 10 years.

"Although not a dominant sentiment among visible minority groups, a worrisome 37 per cent say they have personally experienced discrimination.

"About 50 per cent of visible minorities feel the mainstream media present negative stereotypes of many people from racial or ethnic minorities."

This isn't a "bad news" poll. All in all it gives and excellent and balanced view of the state of immigrants in the most populous of Canadian cities. Do yourself a favor and read the entire article for an up to date view of the immigrant experience in Canada.

The immigrant experience - racism in Canada

TheStar.com - Welcome but unequal?

Good article here noting the experience of 3,000 Canadian immigrants when it comes to racism or un-equal treatment in their experience with government, services and employers.

It's interesting that racism is still alive and well in Canada, just like it is in the US. I guess it's no suprise that in the experience of new immigrants to Canada, the racism is subtle. Canada is a subtle country, after all.

Sometimes I am concerned about the discrimination I may face in Canada as a new immigrant. It doesn't concern me so much that I wont continue to pursue my dreams though. As in the US, racism is primarily excercised by a few ignorant individuals. The institutional experience of those surveyed is mushc closer to what is happening in a lot of western nations.

As the face of a nation changes, so does its biases. Maybe oneday those who have been most victimized will be in control, and maybe they'll be more understanding.

The frog and the pan of water

TheStar.com - U.S. learns to live with less freedom

We, not the French, are a nation of frogs.

The citizens of the US, post 9/11 are like nothing more than mute, cowering amphibians sitting in a pail filled with the water of freedom, suspended above the fire of tyranny.

The current government keeps adding wood to the fire below, but not at a rate fast enough for the citizens to notice their freedoms evaporate. So the citizens don't notice. In fact, they encourage the government to add more fuel to the fire. This fuel is composed of fear and takes the shape of security.

Soon the water of freedom will boil and freedom will evaporate completely - but not before the citizens to whom it once mattered so much have all died in along with their freedom.

This article reinforces my desire to make a new life in Canada. Canadians are still wise enough to think for themselves - to protect their freedoms from their own government. The citizens of the US have forgotten who this country belongs to.

As a wise man once said, "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania (1759)

Ribbett...ribbett...

Canadians are Canadian

TheStar.com - Political gurus explore U.S.-Canada split

The most interesting thing I found about this article didn't have to do with Al Gore's visit to the Mont-Tremblant, Quebec conference noted, but instead, the continuing work of Environics as explained by pollster Michael Adams. If you haven't read their book "Fire and Ice," regarding the differences between the US and Canadian peoples and how they view the world around them, do yourself a favor and get it.

What is clear is that far from being culturally absorbed by us southerners and our culture, Canadians remain distinct in their world view - one fostered by multiculturalism, tolerance, and a healthy skepticism regarding those who are given the gift of political power.

As Americans give over more and more power to their leaders; seeing dissent as un-patriotic; willing to trade freedom for security, Canadians continue to mature in a politically and socially more responsible manner - taking care of their own and promoting good relations with the rest of the world.

Beware Harper and any attempts to model Canadian politics and foreign affairs after the US model. Yes - it does bring power and wealth - but only for the few.

Summertime and the living is bloggerful

Hi readers...The Expatriate Mind will be slowing down for the summer (if you couldn't tell already) to get some much needed chores done, as well as focus and save and enjoy life! The posts won't be so frequent, but we'll definently keep you aware when something of note happens in the immigration front. in the meantime, I hope you all enjoy your summer too!

TheStar.com - Majority welcome immigration, poll shows

TheStar.com - Majority welcome immigration, poll shows

This interesting article speaks to the acceptance of immigrants by the general public in many nations around the world:

"In the U.S. and Australia, just over half said immigrants are good for their country. In Canada — where immigrants are actively recruited — three-fourths said immigrants are a good influence."

Isn't it cool that Canada still leads the way in polls like this. Pat yourselves on the back, O'Canada - you set a good example for all nations in this area.

You're not welcome here

TheStar.com - U.S. ID plan turns Canadians off

The US does an amzing job beating up on it's enemies, but we also don't forget our friends. In this article, a recent seurvey of 1,500 Canadians finds that if the US enacts it's proposals for new documentation requirements for crossing the border, 50% of Canadians will choose to stay home rather than pay the fees and gain the documents required to comply.

What a great way to tell friends you aren't welcome here. Frankly, I don't know how we are dealing with this issue on the southern border. The US is so big, it seems like two different borders and problems.

I am obviously against anything that makes crossing borders harder. I wish it were easier. I wish all of north america was open to residents of Mexico, the US and Canada...what a wonderful world that would be...

Confused - what's new?

So my ex was back to visit last week and we had a wonderful number of days. She's simply the best, and I do still love her very much. Again we ponder what it means to our futures and again we are confused. I don't know that any answers are going to come soon, but I do have an answer in my heart for the question I pondered. At least for now, my dreams of immigration to Canada are still about her and I...I guess as long as she is in my personal picture, it will be the case. So maybe my answer is that I can't give you one. I want immigration to be about us and be about love. I am prepared for if it isn't and believe there are still many good reasons to make a life in beatiful Canada. But I haven't really had to make that choice, because the personal picture is so cloudy.

Federal Budget steps up to immigration issue (well, some)

Budget Speech (Budget 2006)

Well, the Federal Budget is in and there are three items within it that will impact immigration opportunities in Canada. From the Budget Speech:

"Mr. Speaker, this country was built by people seeking a better life for themselves and their families. They come here for opportunity, and contribute their culture, skills and energy in return.

This government will provide more help to new Canadians to get started.

Effective immediately, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee is reduced by 50 per cent—from $975 to $490.

We are increasing immigration settlement funding by $307 million.

And we are taking action to establish the Canadian Agency for Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Credentials. "

What do these choices mean to immigrants?

Well, reducing the Head Tax for ROPR is a start, but it should simply be eliminated. Immigrants are milked for money every place they turn. And you already know my feelings about the impact this head tax has on those living in disadvantaged conditions.

Immigration settlement funding...The Newcomer Settlement Program. Now this sounds good. You can read more about the areas of application for this funding at the Program's Guidelines page. All in all I like the idea of this program - my only worry is that too much of this money is heading to ad agencies for campaigns to make new immigrants thankful they were allowed in (j/k).

The best news is for the formation of the Canadian Agency for Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Credentials (CAARFC - I had to...). Properly developed and given authority, this agency could clear the way for new Canadians to contribute at the highest level and wipe out a protectionist white collar glass ceiling.

What's missing? Clearly funding to increase manpower and clear the lines of the 700,000 waiting to come to Canada. What's missing? Reform that will make the CIC more responsive to the needs of new Canadians.

Harper scares me, but he has delivered a Budget that intends to keep some promises to new Canadians. Let's hope good things come from this start.

Troubling Tories

Who does Stephen Harper think he is? Canada's answer to George Bush, seems to be the answer. Harper is showing a Bush-like penchant for controlling the media that was unheard of in the days of Liberal rule.

First we heard about no longer notifying the press about Minister's meetings. This was obviously done to control comments coming out of scrums when the meetings were over and avoid embarrasing answers to tough questions on policies from the minority govenment.

Next we heard that Harper didn't want his Ministers to talk to the press at all.

Now we hear that he doesn't want the press covering the repatriation of Canadian war dead (Tories rebuked over rules for war dead - Toronto Star).

I've warned Canadians time and again not to learn any lessons from the current US government. They are an evil bunch, sucking away civil rights in the name of security and slowly stripping the Bill of Rights from the Constitution.

Canadians need to fight back now, and frankly, step up to any opportunity for a confidence vote and put Harper to bed before he guts your own Charter.

There is NOTHING good about a secretive government. Harper is afraid of the light. He's trouble, and he's changing the way Canada is viewed in the world - not for the better.

Government accountability? It's hard to count in the dark, Stephen.