Living in a foreign land...
On television there has recently been a bombardment of advertisements showing immigrants to Canada not being able to get the jobs they were trained for. Back in their own country they were perhaps doctors or lawyers or micro-biologists, but here they’re taxi drivers, convenience store clerks or burger flippers. The problem isn’t a new one, all of us have heard about it I’m sure, you’ve definitely witnessed it, but it’s still a horrible problem, regardless.The issue at hand is the cost and time it takes to validate their already learned craft. I’ve read there are only a certain amount of medical interns that can be accepted in Ontario and only a portion of them can be foreign-trained doctors. This puts highly qualified people at a significant disadvantage and many times they have families to support so they must continue, or begin, driving a taxi. For a position involving the lives of others I agree they must be proven in this country with our standards, but steps should be taken to make the process easier.
A report just released by StatsCan shows first year immigrants in 2004 were 3.2 times more likely to be of low income status; this compares to 3.5 times in 2002. While it has slightly lowered, the issue still remains that new immigrants are being lured here with the premise of receiving jobs they were trained for, but in actuality aren’t. The article also says back in 1993 when Canada shifted it’s focus to bringing in those with specialties in IT or engineering, there was a boom, but with the downturn in the sector the loss of jobs sky rocketed and left many who were unable to adjust to the culture.
I think if the country is to sincerely want these people to come in and work and support the economy then they should be willing to spend the damned money to help them adjust better. There should be language programs, outreach groups, whatever.
In countries where many immigrants come from, there should be a way that Canada can carefully advertise there what’s required of the new immigrants should they choose to come. I’m sure if many immigrants knew what they would have to go through, they would either not bother coming or they would go through the necessary steps to make sure they’re able to better adjust, should things not work out. Preference should then be given to those who’ve shown they can adjust to our way of life. It wouldn’t be an easy task but it’s our country and only the best should be accepted.
In the end, as much as I’m happy with attracting new people into the country, I’m not happy if they’re forced to mooch off the welfare system because they’re unable to get a job.
Peace.
posted by Sean @ 5:21 PM
Comments: 2
