Episode 22: When Canada Isn’t That Into You

Written By Andrea McCoy

Universities are losing money. Some are closing. With IRCC rolling the dice in their cuts to international students, the impact has only just begun. Because Hostion and I came to Canada as international students, we feel the weight of this topic deeply  and that's why we have to talk about it. 

Join us as we discuss how these 'knee-jerk' reactions to international students are causing real economic, diplomatic and humane consequences. We understand the need to address current issues - but if we're honest, these shortsighted policies are disrupting and harming real people. Not only that, but immigrants and international students are the rebuttal, the national answer and the global power to expand into markets worldwide instead of relying on our southern neighbour. International students are a part of Canada's ecosystem - when one tree is cut down, the whole forest and all the creatures feel it.

Trigger Warning: Pregnancy Loss

The Personal Angle: Navigating Uncertain Waters

Andrea and Hostion share personal experiences, highlighting the challenges faced as former international students. When government policies shift unpredictably, students' lives and futures hang in the balance. The emotional rollercoaster of these policy changes can create anxiety and panic for many aspiring to call Canada home.

The Bigger Picture: Global Ecosystem Disruption

The discussion acknowledges that the implications of such drastic immigration policy shifts go far beyond the individuals directly affected—they ripple through communities and countries. There's a concern for how these changes impact diplomatic relations and Canada's global reputation as a welcoming nation. The hosts emphasize that policy changes should be gradual and thoughtfully implemented, not abrupt and dramatic as recent actions have been.

Impact On Educational Insitutions

Canadian universities and colleges face severe repercussions from the reduced number of international students. Many educational institutions rely heavily on the tuition fees of international students to fund operations and resources. With a reported 45-50% drop in enrollment, schools are forced to make significant budget adjustments, potentially leading to layoffs and program cuts.

Economic Consequences

Beyond academia, Canada's economy stands to suffer from this reduction in international student permits. The labor market, particularly in sectors like technology and healthcare, may experience increased shortages as these sectors heavily depend on skilled immigrants and graduates. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce emphasizes the critical role immigrants play in sustaining Canada's workforce.

Debunking The Housing Crisis Myth

Andrea and Hostion critically discuss the purported link between immigration and the housing crisis, highlighting that the actual issue lies within supply shortages and regulatory inefficiencies. The lack of construction workers is another bottleneck contributing to the housing shortage, a problem exacerbated by cutting potential immigrants who could fill these roles.

Moving Forward

As Canadian Salad continues to explore topics vital to the fabric of Canadian society, Andrea and Hostion remind us all that these policy decisions impact not just an economy or a statistic, but people with dreams and ambitions. It's crucial for the government to acknowledge the interconnectedness of these decisions and strive for policies that honor the contributions of international students and immigrants alike.

Andrea McCoy https://www.janklin.ca
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