The Canada
We Believe In 
We are Canadian community organizations, business groups, and others that are calling on our federal leaders to commit to renewing a positive vision for immigration that is unifying, creates shared progress, and focuses on our collective benefit and a better future.
Dear federal party leaders,
Canada has long been a global leader in immigration, attracting and welcoming people from around the world to build our economy, enrich our communities from coast to coast to coast, and underpinning our international reputation.
Immigration is critical to our economic growth and prosperity. We must continue to attract the talent Canadian employers need to innovate and grow their businesses. It is not enough to simply bring people to this country. We need an immigration system and an economy that allows all who call Canada home to seize the opportunities this country provides.
However, understanding and trust in the current direction of immigration, and the systems that support it, is faltering across the country and trending in the wrong direction. If this continues, we are at risk economically, politically, and culturally.
For generations, Canada has offered a promise of welcome, safety and inclusion for people seeking a better life or displaced by crises. We are seen as global leaders in providing settlement and integration support. This promise is gravely at risk in a time of rising anti-immigrant rhetoric and eroding trust in our immigration and humanitarian programs.
Canada needs a strong economy to support a just society. We must rebuild the precious consensus for a multicultural nation. One that upholds the values that make Canada such a special place in the world, and recognizes the reciprocal relationship between immigration and a thriving economy.
A new and cohesive vision is needed for Canada to continue fulfilling its promise as a welcoming, prosperous and independent nation.
THIS VISION MUST:
Commit to clear, responsive, and streamlined immigration programs: Immigration is key to our future economic growth and productivity, and the health and sustainability of communities across the country. Without continued immigration, our population will drop precipitously, and critical professions will face increased shortages. We must be able to better attract the very best global talent to meet the needs of local economies. We must also finally address the regularization of those already working in the economy without status and benefits.
Ensure all-of-government coordination and investment: To fulfill the goals of immigration and support newcomers with the resources and skills they need to succeed, adequate resources must be more effectively allocated. This means long-term, stable investments, and collaboration with those working closely with newcomers. Housing, healthcare, and education investment need to align with immigration goals to provide better experiences when newcomers arrive, and to prevent further misplaced blame for infrastructure deficits.
Counter and repudiate anti-immigration rhetoric: We know our core values as Canadians, and we know that other than Indigenous peoples, we all were once newcomers here, sometimes without a choice. Discrimination needs to be called out for what it is and seeks to exploit, and all Canadians need support to regain their trust and confidence. Our elected leaders set the tone and narrative, and we expect the very most from you.
Reaffirm and continue to strengthen humanitarian programs: Refugee processes and programs must be equitable, streamlined, and consistent. In doing so, we will continue to transform lives and uphold Canada’s international reputation, standing and values. Across our country, we know that today’s refugees will be tomorrow’s business, community, and philanthropic leaders.
Clearly define success: Immigration targets must be more than arrival numbers. Clear and integrated economic, social, and global impact measures must be defined and regularly reported back to Canadians to help them understand the integral contributions that newcomers make to our social fabric.
We call on the leaders of all the federal political parties seeking to lead this country to publicly and clearly commit to creating and then implementing such a vision in collaboration not just with each other – whoever forms government – but together with other levels of government, representatives, and leaders from right across our country, our economy, and civil society.
Yours truly,
Over 100 community and business groups across the country have already joined the call. (listed below)
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