Dear Mr Brown:

How does Canada compare to the United States (US) with regards to welcoming immigrants? It seems as if the US does not view immigration in a positive way. I think Canada is different, but I would like to hear your view.

— TN

Dear TN:

Canada has a positive experience with immigration. The contributions of immigrants are seen as crucial to the success of Canada with regards to jobs, innovation, and economic growth.

The Canadian Government recently launched a national conversation on immigration in which Canadian citizens and permanent residents are invited to express their thoughts on immigration by responding to questions about what they think immigration means for Canada, and how Canada can continue to grow the nation through immigration. The conversation will take place until August 5, 2016.

Participants may either provide an online written submission or participate in cross-Canada round-table discussions led by the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary, stakeholder engagement by departmental officials and public opinion research.

As a democratic process, the feedback gathered from Canadians will be used to help guide decisions affecting the development of future immigration strategy.

Data collection

The national conversation is centred on a questionnaire which includes 15 questions, structured on the four topics — strengthening our Canadian fabric, unlocking Canada’s diverse needs, modernising Canada’s immigration system, and leadership in global migration and immigration.

Strengthening our Canadian fabric

Under this heading, views are solicited on how many newcomers Canada should welcome in 2017 and beyond, how the country can best support newcomers to ensure they become successful members of their communities, whether the country has the right balance among the immigration programmes or streams, and if not, what priorities should form the foundation of Canada’s immigration planning.

Unlocking Canada’s diverse needs

The questions under this heading are:

• How can immigration play a role in supporting economic growth and innovation in Canada?

• Should there be more programmes for businesses to permanently hire foreign workers if they can’t find Canadians to fill the job?

• What is the right balance between attracting global talent for high-growth sectors, on the one hand, and ensuring affordable labour for businesses that have historically seen lower growth, on the other?

• How can immigration fill in the gaps in Canada’s demographics and economy?

• What Canadian values and traditions are important to share with newcomers to help them integrate into Canadian society?

Modernizing our immigration system

• Currently, immigration levels are planned yearly. Do you agree with the thinking that planning should be multi-year?

• What modernisation techniques should Canada invest in for processing of applications?

• What should Canada do to ensure its immigration system is modern and efficient?

• Is there any rationale for providing options to those willing to pay higher fees for an expedited process?

Leadership in global migration and immigration

• Is it important for Canada to continue to show leadership in global migration? If so, how can we best do that?

• How can Canada attract the best global talent and international students?

• In what ways can Canada be a model to the world on refugees, migration and immigration?

I believe any reasonable person would view the conversation in a positive light with regards to addressing immigration issues. I look forward to the results of the survey and the corresponding changes in policy.

Please visit

jamaica2canada.com for additional information on Canadian Permanent Residence programmes, including Express Entry, the Study and Work progamme, visitor’s visas and appeals, etc.

Antonn Brown, BA, (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC, is an immigration counsel and education agent of

JAMAICA2CANADA.COM— a Canadian immigration & education firm in Kingston. Send questions/comments tojamaica2canada@gmail.com.