February 07, 2024

The Brief: It's not (really) about numbers; it's about strategy: Unpacking immigration in Canada

33 minutes

Immigration has long been a key part of Canada's ethos. For decades, Canadians have been pro-immigration, citing its benefits for the economy, but also its contributions to the rich tapestry of culture, language, and tradition.

However, as Canadians navigate the rising cost of living, housing affordability, and access to public services, many—two-thirds in fact—believe that Canada's targets to welcome 1.5 million newcomers to the country over the next three years is a little (or a lot) off the mark.

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Mikal Skuterud, a labour economist from the University of Waterloo and the Director at the Canadian Labour Economic Forum to talk immigration, how Canada's system works, and where it's going wrong. We also address productivity challenges and speak to the Council's latest task force on Prosperity-Driven Immigration.

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About The Business Council of Alberta

The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.

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