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Canada: Managing Diversity and Social Cohesion under Bill C-50 and Beyond

Canada: Managing Diversity and Social Cohesion under Bill C-50 and Beyond. Implications of the recent changes in the Canadian immigration system. Presented at the 5th Int’l Conference of Central European Canadianists “Managing Diversity and Social Cohesion: The Canadian Experience “

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Canada: Managing Diversity and Social Cohesion under Bill C-50 and Beyond

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  1. Canada: Managing Diversity and Social Cohesion under Bill C-50 and Beyond Implications of the recent changes in the Canadian immigration system

  2. Presented at the 5th Int’l Conference of Central European Canadianists “Managing Diversity and Social Cohesion: The Canadian Experience “ held In Sofia, Bulgaria, 16-17/10/2009 By Hristina Petrova, M.A. student in International Relations and Comparative Politics at New Bulgarian University, Sofia.

  3. Diversity & Social Cohesion: an Insight Government of Canada recognizes the diversity of Canadians as regards race, national or ethnic origin, colour and religion as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian society and is committed to a policy of multiculturalism designed to preserve and enhance the multicultural heritage of Canadians while working to achieve the equality of all Canadians in the economic, social, cultural and political life of Canada (Multiculturalism Act 1988) “Multiculturalism is a means to avoid recognizing the history of Canadian diversity… It marks a shift from the modern nation-state, which simulated a unity and dissimulated multiplicity, to the post-modern nations-state, which dissimulates its unity and simulates multiplicity “(R. Day, 2000) “Tellingly, the Canadians who support multiculturalism are those who are more interested in asserting a Canadian difference from the United States” (J. Reitz, 2006) National support decreased: 59% in a survey ’2007 said immigration had a very positive or somewhat positive impact on their community compared to 50 % only in 01/2009 (Toronto Sun) + diversity strengthens Can. Culture: 55 % vs. 61 % ‘04

  4. Diversity & Social Cohesion: an Insight “… Les associations musulmanes manquent de moyens financiers, de services suffisants adaptés aux nouveaux arrivants qui font face à un fort taux de chômage ou de sous-emploi. Cela a eu pour conséquence que le groupe musulman est aujourd’hui peu organisé pour se défendre contre les préjugés à son égard et qu’il a développé une perception plutôt négative de la société et de l'État canadiens  ». (Helly, 2005) Asian immigrants have the highest educational and occupational qualifications of all (Richmond,88) Highest Citizenship rates in Ca(indicative of cohesion): In 2001, 84 %vs . 40% USA The mostcommonlabormarket obstacles immigrants face are: lack of recognition of educational and employmentcredentials; canadianlaborexperience; soft skills; but most of all languageproblems. (Hiebert, Reitz, Helly, Richmond, etc.)

  5. Before and After 27.02.2008

  6. Focus is now on Integration: Off-campus, and 3 year postgraduate permits Canadian Experience Class: Temp. workers & Students PNPs: Unique regional needs; another path for students. However: STEM dominate; job offers suppose already established networks Language and age components in the Points system would probably be changed /as in Australia/. On the other hand, some say the Points system could disappear => From federal to regional level

  7. “The duty to integrate”: Redefining Multiculturalism In 2008: New CI Minister: J. Kenney/residence in Alberta: the biggest labor market growth then/; Multiculturalism part of CIC + Paul Yuzyk award Kenney’s immigration priorities: Not cultural diversity “which is there” but practical tools: Integration; Bridging communities; Language training: + funding, only 25% of newcomers enroll; settlement programs/1.5 b a year/; mentorship programs “It is worthy to explain that women and men are fully equal; to understand that we have respect for all Canadians regardless of race, ethnicity or religion or sexual orientation. And these are rights and obligations that we all share regardless of our own backgrounds”.

  8. Last Census from 2006 reveals… More than 200 different ethnic origins reported vs. 21 in 1901, 11 ethnic origins had populations over 1 M; several ethnic origins-41% vs.36% in 1996 5 M of total 32 M are visible minorities(16%), in 2020 they’ll reach 20% China & India: 1,21 M vs. 1.27 M in 2006: Indians become the leading visible minority(25%); Cn & In=40% of world’s population! Languages: Chinese is 3rd language in Ca after En & Fr; (and among In there are many lang’s); Allophones: 1/5 of the population

  9. International Students in Canada 80 000 int’l students in 2006, of which 50% from Asia, of which 50 % from China, or ¼ of the 80 000 came from China; enrolments rise for Japan, Korea, India Students from China may also be attracted by the country's large Chinese population In 2003-04, foreign students received 46% of Ph.D.s awarded by Canadian universities in engineering, 37% of those in the physical sciences & 16 % in life sc. China, U.S., France, India, South Korea, Iran, Japan, Morocco and Pakistan: 60 % of all foreign st. in Canada Intl students pay 100 to 200 % more than native students

  10. “Home Away From Home” across Universities. Western Canada ee “Teaching and learning at this university reflect our commitments to inclusion and diversity and to the promotion of dialogue and academic freedom in response to controversy and the conflict of ideas” Teaching and learning Task Force, Simon Fraser University Enrolment services University of Calgary

  11. “Home Away From Home” in Ontario Students, University of Ottawa Culture and Diversity on Campus, Queens University More than 100 cultural and ethnic student clubs and organizations foster diversity and cultural engagement on campus

  12. “Home away from Home”:Montreal Choisir HEC Montréal Etudiant étranger Direction et Services

  13. Confederation College targets Chinese students Educ. Advisor: “We are particularly warm, welcoming and engaging toward students from China…” In the video, a Chinese student in Mechanical engineering promotes the College in Chinese “We assist students in academic counseling, their social activities, and also applications for visa, study and work permits. Many college programs have work placement opportunities.” /services to help them feel comfortable/ “International students FROM CHINA are highly skilled, have Canadian credentials and bring international experience to help Canadian companies compete internationally. Our province will benefit from their talents for years to come”.

  14. Canadian universities recruit in India “India could be a huge education market for Canada which needs to combine its 'education diplomacy' with 'public diplomacy' to raise its profile in India”/only 4 K yearly Indian students at present/,R. Touhey , 09 Roy McLaren, /C-IBC/promised a largest ever education mission to India in 11/08 in response to Indian High Commissioner’s expectations In 08/08 : 15 universities visited India to meet students, among uni’s: York; Mcgill; Toronto; Carleton; Ryerson; The courses in Demand: Biotechnology; Computer engineering; Aerospace engineering; Telecommunications; Business management Agreement between UofA & IIT Bombay, leading science and technology institution(1/4 are PhD st.): energy & health research + exchange students & faculty members

  15. Diversity, Cohesion & Students: The Linkage Students: diversity (Uni’s promote) + “smooth” cohesion(soft skills + language skills + Canadian credentials) China & India: diversity China: population size; 25 % of int’l students; Chinese community(home away from home); highest educational achievements; good at STEM; economic opportunities in China India: population size; biggest diaspora among visible minorities; good at IT; Engineering & Business management; largest world’s democracy; largest pool of En speaking professionals; lobby

  16. Social cohesion or Cohesive society It may be advisable to bridge mentors and mentees from different origins in order to limit ethnic concentration, which would widen the gap between communities and distort social cohesion. Bridging communities can foster stronger identity

  17. Diversity in a knowledge based economy “Multicultural Canada is a model of the macro process of globalization…We must minimize the dangers and optimize the opportunities” (R. Day citing McLellan and Richmond) “Our diversity is a national asset. Recent advances in technology have made international communications more important than ever. Canadians who speak many languages and understand many cultures make it easier for Canada to participate globally in areas of education, trade and diplomacy”. (CIC 2009)

  18. Conclusions 1). Immigrants of In and Cn origin to Canada will be increasing /popul. growth + lobbies + managerial + IT & Engineering skills/ ; + temp. from USA to Canada b/se of insufficient H1Bs/& EB visas. However there is also the issue of Return migration to In & Cn! 2). If Canadian universities manage to provide missions abroad & scholarships, they can attract students from around the globe. It’d be strategic : STEM + smooth integration 3). Those with strong diasporas will benefit from mentorship programs/Asians/ while those who are dispersed or face internal problems /Arabs/ may be in a disadvantaged position. Should the state interfere and how?

  19. References: • Bill C-50 -Amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.(2008). http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Parl=39&Ses=2&Mode=1&Pub=Bill&Doc=C-50_3&File=119#30 • “Canada varsities eyeing Indian students”. (2008). UTVI, New Delhi, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8Q37lfLDmg • Canadian Multiculturalism Act, Department of Justice, http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showdoc/cs/C-18.7/bo-ga:s_3::bo-ga:s_4/20091006?page=1 • Crane, D. (2007). “Canada Attracts Educated Immigrants - the US Attracts Low-Skilled Immigrants”, http://glennjlea.blogspot.com/2007/12/canadians-attacts-educated-immigrants.html • Confederation college Canada welcomes Chinese students, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fyGNUcDuQU • Day, R. (2000). Multiculturalism and the History of Canadian Diversity, Toronto: University of Toronto Press

  20. Gill, J. (2008). “Canada gains in the global game”, http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storyCode=400661&sectioncode=26 Helly, D. (2005). Les politiquescanadiennesd’immigrationsont-ellesexportables en France et en Europe, http://im.metropolis.net/research-policy/research_content/doc/2005_Helly_IFRI_Policy_Paper_french%20.pdf Hiebert, D. (2006). Beyond the Polemics: The Economic Outcomes of Canadian Immigration, http://mbc.metropolis.net/assets/uploads/files/wp/2006/WP06-15.pdf Immigration and Citizenship 2006 Census (2007). Statistics Canada, http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2006/rt-td/immcit-eng.cfm “India has asked Canada to simplify visas” (2008), http://www.mydigitalfc.com/2008/india-has-asked-canada-simplify-visa Jason Kenney’s speech “ The duty to integrate”; Multiculturalism: inclusive citizenship”; List of 38 FAQ (differences between CEC & FSW) – www.cic.cg.ca McConnell, G. (2008). “Canada must attract India's bright students”, http://www.globalvisas.com/news/_canada_must_attract_india_s_bright_students_182.html

  21. Pictures in the PPT from the following universities: U of Ottawa, U of Calgary, Simon Fraser University, Queens University, HEC Montreal Reitz, J.(2006). Does Canadian Experience in Immigrant Incorporation Have Lessons for Europe?, http://www.utoronto.ca/ethnicstudies/CanadianExperience.pdf Reitz, J. (2003). Canadian Immigration Policy, http://migration.ucdavis.edu/rs/images/uploads/2._J_Reitz_1_Can_Imm_Policy.pdf Richmond, A. (1988). Immigration and Ethnic conflict, London: Macmillan Press. Thompson, E. (2009). “New poll shows cracks in immigration support”, Toronto Sun, http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/06/25/9938081-sun.html University of Alberta top Indian science and technology school team up, (2009) http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=1758389#ixzz0S9bwG2RY “Woo Indian students to Canada through education diplomacy: Expert”, Deccan Herald(2009), http://www.deccanherald.com/content/23823/woo-indian-students-canada-through.html

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