Canada’s Evolving Immigration Policy
The Economist has a fascinating article about changes in immigration policy in Canada. “Since winning power in 2006 the Conservatives have moved away from the idea of letting in people based on their `talent for citizenship’ to admitting workers with job offers. On January 1st the government moved further in that direction. A new `Express Entry system’ greatly increases the weight given to offers of employment for people applying to become permanent residents.”
Canada is adopting changes followed in New Zealand and Australia. According to The Economist, “critics worry that in shifting from a policy based on civic values to one governed by commercial logic, Canada is making the system more vulnerable to fraud and discrimination. Though more open than other right-of-centre parties, Canada’s Conservatives have been characteristically hard-nosed about letting in refugees and immigrants’ family members.”
KJ