GOVERNMENT
Moving forward Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, John McCallum talks about some of his plans for the portfolio By Margaret Jetelina
H
e’s not an immigrant himself, but the new minister of the renamed Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is no stranger to the portfolio. Prior to the last election, Minister John McCallum, a veteran parliamentarian and experienced cabinet member, served as the Opposition critic for immigration. And since his appointment to the department’s top job, he has shown his understanding of the complex issues that Canada faces, starting, of course, with the decision to resettle thousands of Syrian refugees. But while the welcoming of refugees has been the most pressing item on his agenda so far, Minister McCallum is reviewing current policy and making plans for the year ahead. In an interview with Canadian Immigrant magazine, he talked briefly about some of those plans, and, while he didn’t reveal too many specifics, he did point to a few immigration areas that will see improvement soon, including quicker reunification of spouses and improved handling of international students who want to become permanent residents and then citizens. When you served as the Opposition critic on immigration, what was your biggest concern with the Conservatives’ approach to the portfolio? There were many! I think our overall theme was we wanted to welcome immigrants with a smile, not a scowl. I was concerned about the treatment of newcomers and the welcoming of refugees, but we’re beyond that now — we’re not focusing on the Conservatives. Your government has already shown that welcoming approach and a return to Canada’s humanitarian roots with the welcoming of Syrian refugees. Recently, the Supreme Court of Canada also expanded humanitarian & compassionate grounds. Is compassion going to define your approach? Yes, welcoming newcomers with a smile implies compassion. In the case of the refugee initiative, I’m convinced — and a big majority of Canadians are convinced — that it is the right thing to do. Canadians have done very well in welcoming the refugees so far, including provincial governments and cities, settlement organizations and
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canadianimmigrant.ca
March 2016
above Minister John McCallum wants to welcome immigrants “with a smile, not a scowl.” Photo by Cole Burston businesses; they have all stepped up to the plate. It’s become a truly national project. There is, of course, concern over how refugees will integrate into the labour market? Will they be fi lling mostly entry-level type jobs? We’ve had waves of refugees come to Canada, from Hungary, Uganda, Vietnam. In the short run, it’s a humanitarian gesture; Canada is paying a cost to welcome a large number of people. In the medium term, they become regular hard-working Canadians; they pay Canada back with fi lling jobs and paying taxes. After they get more established, they have children who are the next generation of Canadians, and it all goes on. That was the case for previous waves of refugees and I see no reason why it won’t be the same. Refugees come in all shapes, sizes and experience. Some are highly skilled and some less so, and Canada needs all types. Even those who don’t have much education or don’t speak English or French will still do well. They will learn the language and take jobs that are appropriate to their skills. Would refugees be a good fit for provinces such as New Brunswick to offset their aging demographics? The former premier of that province Frank McKenna recently suggested that newcomers be required to reside there for a few years to help build up communities. I think we should try to help provinces in that regard, and I’ve been trying to spread out refugees as well, but whether you can require newcomers to stay — that is definitely a question. Constitutionally, you can’t restrict the mobility of Canadians. There are some ways to encourage people to stay, but we have to be mindful of the Constitution. Immigrants tend to go where other immigrants are. Frank is right — cities like Toronto have a built-in advantage, so we need to create incentives for immigrants to get to other cities. The provincial nominee programs were started to encourage immigration to other cities. Manitoba, for example, has had success with it, as newcomfacebook.com/canimmigrant
