Canada has long been admired as a land of opportunity for immigrants from across the globe. However, a recent CBC News poll conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights reveals significant challenges facing newcomers, painting a more complex picture of the immigrant experience in Canada.
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Overwhelming Concerns About Canada’s Immigration Planning
A key finding of the survey is that over 80% of newcomers feel Canada accepts too many immigrants without sufficient planning for housing, infrastructure, or employment. This sentiment is echoed by both immigrants and native-born Canadians, with 65% of the general population expressing similar concerns, according to a Leger poll.
Shabnoor Abdullateef, a physician who immigrated from Iran in 2022, shared her frustration:
“While I feel safer in Canada than in Iran, there’s a clear lack of foresight in managing international students and immigrants.”
The lack of adequate preparation is leaving newcomers struggling to find housing, access healthcare, and secure meaningful employment.
Growing Immigration Numbers
Since 2014, Canada has welcomed over 5 million newcomers, with 662,000 immigrants added in the first nine months of 2024 alone. Immigration accounted for 97% of population growth during this period, compared to 71% in 2015.
Despite this growth, experts like Alfred Lam, Executive Director of the Centre for Immigrant and Community Services, stress that blaming newcomers for issues like the housing crisis is misplaced:
“The housing crisis existed even when borders were closed during the pandemic.”
While challenges persist, 79% of immigrants report being satisfied with their quality of life, highlighting optimism about life in Canada.
Barriers to Employment and Credential Recognition
One of the most significant struggles for newcomers is finding employment in their field. Key statistics include:
- 14% of working newcomers are unemployed—double the national average.
- 44% of newcomers are either unemployed or working outside their area of expertise.
A lack of recognition for foreign credentials and work experience is a widespread issue. One in four respondents said their prior work experience was not acknowledged, while one-sixth reported their academic qualifications were ignored.
Syed Hussan, Executive Director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, criticized Canada’s policies:
“This is a massive devaluation of international work experience.”
Abdullateef, formerly a doctor in Tehran, now faces this harsh reality. Despite spending $33,000 on a postgraduate certificate in Canada, she cannot practice medicine.
Racialized Newcomers Face Higher Levels of Discrimination
The survey highlighted that racialized immigrants face higher levels of discrimination than their white counterparts, particularly in employment. South Asians reported the highest rate of racism at 66%, often becoming scapegoats for anti-immigrant sentiment.
Immigration lawyer Jatin Shory noted:
“If there were another larger group, they would likely face similar challenges.”
Economic Hardships Among Newcomers
Financial struggles remain a significant challenge:
- One in four newcomers reported household incomes below $30,000.
- Unemployment rates for racialized immigrants are disproportionately high.
Akash Shah, an immigrant from India, moved from Regina to Calgary in search of better job opportunities and social networks. He found Calgary offered significantly more opportunities for social and professional growth.
Canada’s Underutilization of Immigrant Talent
Canada’s failure to effectively use immigrant talent is a missed opportunity. A study by the C.D. Howe Institute found that university-educated immigrants are three times more likely to be underemployed than Canadian-born workers.
Abdullateef, a trained physician, summed up the frustration:
“Two million Ontarians don’t have family doctors, yet I’m unable to work as a physician here.”
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Rising Dissatisfaction Leads to Potential Reverse Migration
Despite their gratitude for safety and opportunity, 42% of newcomers are considering leaving Canada for better prospects elsewhere. Many skilled professionals face insurmountable barriers in their fields, prompting them to explore opportunities in countries like the U.S. or Germany.
Abdullateef is one such immigrant exploring her options abroad:
“I chose Canada to build my future, but I may have to move elsewhere.”
Summary
While Canada continues to attract immigrants with its promise of safety and opportunity, systemic challenges such as underemployment, discrimination, and housing shortages threaten the country’s appeal.
To maintain its reputation as a desirable destination for talent, Canada must:
- Recognize foreign credentials and work experience.
- Invest in reskilling and training programs.
- Address housing and infrastructure shortages.
By resolving these issues, Canada can fully leverage the potential of its immigrant population and ensure a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
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