Source: Toronto Globe and Mail
OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Paul Martin called for Canada to bring in more immigrants as he delivered a wide-ranging speech that sought to outline a broad rationale for his government's actions and its future direction.
The 70-minute speech was intended to counter criticisms that the government drifts from crisis to crisis. He asserted that Ottawa's past policies and future plans are part of a coherent strategy to cope with major "new forces" such as the aging population and the rise of new powers in China and India.
"Canada needs more immigrants, plain and simple, and we need them to succeed," Mr. Martin said.
"We will keep, indeed we must keep, our doors open to immigrants of all classes and refugees from around the world. But as the numbers increase, we must be more active in recruiting immigrants who meet Canada's evolving needs -- needs that are identified in consultation with the provinces, communities and those in labour, business and academia."
Canada takes in just over 220,000 new permanent residents each year, the highest proportion compared to its population of any country in the world. But since 1993, the Liberals have promised to increase that to 1 per cent of the total population -- about 300,000 people a year -- a goal they have never met.
Mr. Martin insisted yesterday that more immigrants are needed to bolster the labour force and help an economy challenged by an aging population, but more has to be done to ensure their successful integration and recognize their professional credentials.
Martin's diagnosis
Changing Demographics in Canada: A low birth rate for 30 years coupled with baby boomers nearing retirement age means fewer workers supporting more seniors, increased demands on health and other services, and potential skills shortages. Within 10 years, there will be 3½ workers for every senior citizen, down from five today. By 2015, the labour force will start to shrink, so all growth will need to come from immigrants.
And around the world: The rest of the developed world will face the same demographic challenges, meaning increasingly fierce competition for skills. Population growth will be concentrated in the poorest countries, straining their ability to provide even the most rudimentary opportunities. There will be more pressure from migration, more fertile ground for terrorism to take root, more pleas for development assistance.
Global political and economic strength: The balance of power in the world will shift with the rise of China and India. Both countries, along with Brazil, are rapidly developing a vast new middle class. A 2-billion-strong consumer society is coming into being.
Martin's prescriptions
Health care: Last year's funding agreement with the provinces will enable the provinces and territories to better plan for their demographic realities by hiring more doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals, along with moving toward insured coverage for acute home care and a national pharmaceutical strategy. Benchmarks will put pressure on provinces to reduce waiting lists.
Aboriginals: Better health and education services are needed to improve the lives and skills of Canada's fastest-growing demographic segment.
Immigration: Canada needs more immigrants, especially those who meet evolving needs in labour, business and academia. Immigrants need better social and economic integration, including language training, upgrading of credentials and recognition.
Cities: In a world in which talent, capital and ideas are mobile, competition is being waged among major metropolitan centres, not countries, e.g. Toronto and Montreal versus Shanghai and Bangalore. Canada needs cities with better funding, diverse populations and healthy environments to compete.
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