In recent years, Canada has experienced a record number of newcomers seeking better opportunities and a higher quality of life. While newcomers bring diversity and economic benefits, they also pose challenges, particularly in the job market, where wage depreciation and competition for employment have become pressing issues.
One of the most concerning aspects of current immigration trends is their impact on job availability and wages. Many newcomers, eager to establish themselves in a new country, are willing to accept lower wages and less favourable working conditions than their Canadian counterparts. This willingness to accept lower wages contributes to a broader trend of wage stagnation across various sectors, particularly those already struggling with economic uncertainty.
In a time when everyone is seeking pay increases to meet rising costs of living, the availability of a workforce willing to work for less hinders any efforts to achieve fair compensation for all workers. Newcomers often live in households with multiple family members pooling their incomes, allowing them to accept lower wages and still make ends meet. This dynamic creates an uneven playing field in the job market, disadvantaging Canadian workers who typically live in more traditional family structures.
Moreover, the willingness of newcomers to accept lower wages has led to downward pressure on overall wages in affected industries. Employers have exploited this situation such as Tim Horton’s and Walmart, by offering substandard wages and limited benefits, knowing that newcomers desperate for employment opportunities will accept these conditions out of necessity.
It is crucial to recognize that newcomers themselves are often victims of this situation, as they face exploitation and precarious working conditions due to their vulnerable position in the labour market. Addressing these issues requires a balanced approach that protects the rights of all workers while ensuring fair competition and equitable opportunities for Canadians and newcomers alike.
It is important to recognize that the challenges faced by newcomers in the job market are not of their own making. Like all individuals, newcomers are simply seeking opportunities to build better lives for themselves and their families. Their willingness to accept lower wages often stems from the necessity to survive and provide for their loved ones, rather than from any desire to undercut local workers.
Blaming newcomers for the current job market misses the larger systemic issues at play. The responsibility lies with our government and policymakers who shape immigration policies without always considering the broader economic impacts on local communities such as the Niagara Region where the unemployment rate is extremely high. These failed immigration policies and the influx of newcomers have only exacerbated job competition and strain on local resources.
I would push for temporary restrictions on immigration that are rooted in the need to allow the job market to stabilize and for economic opportunities to catch up with population growth. Such measures are not about excluding newcomers, but about ensuring that immigration policies are sustainable and beneficial for both newcomers and existing residents.
Government policies should prioritize a balanced approach that supports economic growth while safeguarding the interests of all Canadians.
Ultimately, fostering an inclusive and prosperous society requires thoughtful planning and consideration of the long-term impacts of immigration policies. By taking a measured approach and allowing time for adjustments, Canada can better manage immigration flows to ensure positive outcomes for everyone involved. This approach would not only address immediate economic concerns but also uphold Canada’s reputation as a welcoming and fair-minded nation committed to the well-being of all its residents.
While Canada welcomes newcomers and values the rich cultural diversity they bring, it is imperative to establish stringent guidelines to ensure that visits remain solely for tourism and leisure. To maintain the integrity of our immigration system, any individual found working or volunteering in any capacity during their visit will face immediate deportation and will be barred from returning to Canada in the future.
For any resident of Canada who knowingly harbours this type of illegal behaviour, strict legal consequences will be enforced, including the potential deportation of foreign nationals not born in Canada with a permanent ban on returning to Canada if they are found in violation of Canada’s laws.
This policy is designed to protect both the interests of our residents and the integrity of our visitor strategy, ensuring that Canada remains a welcoming destination for those genuinely seeking to experience its beauty and hospitality without disrupting our labour market or social systems.
I will do whatever it takes to ensure that our job market can recover and thrive. That means temporarily slowing down immigration so that our economy can catch up with the rapid growth we have seen in recent years. This is not about closing our doors to newcomers but about making sure everyone in Canada has a fair shot at success. We need to create a level playing field where Canadian workers and new immigrants can find good jobs and secure their futures.
I am committed to making decisions that prioritize the well-being of all Canadians. By taking a step back and allowing time for our job market to stabilize, we can ensure that Canada remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to build a better life. This is not just about immediate fixes—it is about making sure we have a sustainable future where every resident can thrive, whether they have been here for generations or just arrived.
We also need to be clear about the rules for those visiting our country. Canada is a welcoming place, but we have to make sure that everyone respects our laws. If someone is caught working or volunteering when they are supposed to be here for a short visit, they will face serious consequences, including being sent home and not being allowed to return. It is about fairness and protecting opportunities for those who live and work here. We want Canada to continue being a great place to live, where everyone follows the rules and has a fair chance at success.