qorax said:
Dear David,
U... I don't agree with your connotation that there could be something wrong in the system. In fact it's the contrary -- it'd be foolish to blame the system...
If I don't succeed here, after 10 yrs., there's something wrong in me - not with anyone else, let alone the Govt ...Most of those vids that u showcase r of ppl who lack the commonest traits for succeeding -- they much need to beef-up their ppl skills, presentation skills, language skills, GA & their overall personality. To succeed in a foreign land [not just Canada] ...cry, the media hype et all -- but, the moot point remains that I have failed myself ...Qorax
Dear Qorax,
Thanks for sharing your views with me.
Your opinions do run counter to the current research and policies debates centering around Canadian immigration. Today's immigrants are more skilled and have a higher level of education than the previous generation, yet they earn far less and show less upward economic mobility. There is "
a widening income gap between newcomers and Canadian-born people, and a jobless rate among recent immigrants that was already more than double that of native-born people. If you have one segment of the population that doesn't have the opportunities that the other has, it raises fundamental questions," (Craig Alexander, Deputy Chief economist at Toronto-Dominion Bank)
This is a serious concern for the Canadian economy especially when you consider that this trend may extend to the children of Canadian immigrants.
Statistics Canada: Economic integration of immigrants' children
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/75-001-x/2007110/article/10372-eng.htm
And, it appears that the problem is systemic:
Transatlantic Academy: The declining fortunes of Canada's economic immigration program
http://www.gmfus.org/galleries/ct_publication_attachments/TA_OShea_CandadaEconImmigrationProgram.pdf
D
erek Hum & Wayne Simpson, University of Manitoba: Economic Assimilation of Canadian Immigrants:
http://pcerii.metropolis.net/Virtual%20Library/FinalReports/HumSimpson05.pdf
In my previous post, I do not believe that I indicated that successful integration is the sole responsibility of the government. You are right to indicate that the greatest determinant of success is the individual, his or her skill sets, and the person's determination to succeed. But, to say that
"it'd be foolish to blame the system ... If I don't succeed here, after 10 yrs., there's something wrong in me - not with anyone else, let alone the Govt ." Is not only unfair, but as demonstrated by recent studies, it is also inaccurate.
It is right to question the system and look for improvements. Immigration is the life blood of Canada, and immigration policy must be constantly adjusted to make sure that we are getting the most effective results. The statistics point to problems that need to be addressed. And, Canada is addressing these problems. If we accept your view that the system bares no responsibility, then why is Canada reviewing immigration policy? Of course, this latest review may result in a more stringent point system and tougher screening. But, the goal is to make integration more successful, which in turn means that skilled immigrants should end up in their fields with higher incomes which in turn will produce the greatest economic benefit for the country. Every immigrant that returns to their native country is a huge loss for Canada. The resources devoted to screening, processing, and settlement are wasted. It is a cost the country cannot afford.
Re:
"Most of those vids that u showcase r of ppl who lack the commonest traits for succeeding -- they much need to beef-up their ppl skills, presentation skills, language skills, GA & their overall personality. To succeed in a foreign land [not just Canada] ..."
I would take issue with your above statement, but this is a matter of personal opinion. However, your view does run contrary to the comments submitted to our blog (http://www.tvo.org/cfmx/tvoorg/theagenda/index.cfm?page_id=3&action=blog&subaction=viewPost&post_id=14228&blog_id=323); comments from people with similar stories to those told in our videos. I will be revisiting these people in two years, and time will tell if they had "the right stuff."
Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I would like permission to post a portion of your comments to our blog. Please let me know.
Sincerely,
David
Voices of New Canadians Web Series
http://www.tvo.org/cfmx/tvoorg/theagenda/index.cfm?page_id=3&action=blog&subaction=viewPost&post_id=14228&blog_id=323