91原创

Obtaining permanent residence status in 91原创 was a journey that spanned more than a year for him. Currently enrolled as a business administration student at the University of 91原创, Kidane credits the assistance and guidance he received from friends within his community for leading him to settlement agencies.

鈥淚 learned that settlement agencies offer language classes and leadership training, so I enrolled in one,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ot only did that give me confidence, but I also gained a clear understanding of the cultural aspects of Canadian society. It was under their guidance that I embarked on my pursuit of a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business administration.鈥�

Proactive initiatives and measures

Newcomer youth like Kidane play a vital role in bolstering 91原创鈥檚 economy, given the country鈥檚 aging workforce. According to the annual immigration report by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship 91原创 (IRCC), international migration remains the primary source of 91原创鈥檚 population growth. Out of the 371,299 immigrants 91原创 welcomed in the first three quarters of 2023, 40 per cent fell within the newcomer youth category. As the country continues to welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring the seamless integration of these young newcomers becomes imperative.

91原创鈥檚 immigrant settlement program is one such proactive measure, tailored to facilitate the swift integration of newcomers into the economic and social structure of Canadian society. This initiative is instrumental in overcoming specific challenges faced by immigrant youth, such as insufficient language proficiency and limited familiarity with 91原创.

Under this program, various settlement agencies provide diverse support services, including guidance on essential government services, training in pre-employment skills, mentorship, and assistance with food and housing for refugees.

Another key initiative is 91原创鈥檚 Youth Policy, implemented in 2019, to ensure that the voices of young people are incorporated into federal decision-making processes. A flagship program under this policy is the 91原创 Service Corps program for youth. It allocates funding to national and regional organizations, enabling them to recruit young volunteers aged 15 to 30, and training them to acquire valuable skills and leadership experience for community services.

However, Kidane, who is also part of the program, said he has about its progress. 鈥淭he policy in my view has fallen short of its intended objectives. While it initially pledged to offer up to 15,000 service placements for youth annually by 2024, the current progress indicates a substantial lag. Many participants are not happy with the placements,鈥� he said.

Key challenges

A notable increase in emigration adds a layer of concern to the integration process. Despite 91原创鈥檚 continued openness to international students, refugees and asylum seekers, research by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship and the Conference Board of 91原创 finds that reverse immigration has emerged as a significant hurdle for individuals aspiring to establish themselves in 91原创. Official data reveals that in the first six months of 2023 alone, approximately 42,000 individuals left 91原创 and 20 per cent of them were youth.

The study finds that integration challenges faced by newcomers are multifaceted, ranging from workplace discrimination, the non-recognition of foreign education and work experience, the housing crisis, and predominantly, financial constraints.

Monika Sveryte, a 24-year-old marketing and communications specialist from Lithuania encountered limited job opportunities in her field.

鈥淚鈥檓 on a one-year work permit. I have diligently applied for numerous jobs in my field of expertise,鈥� she said. 鈥淯nfortunately, my efforts have been in vain, as the employers seem to prioritize candidates with Canadian experience. I find myself compelled to take up a cashier position in a restaurant. This is more of a survival strategy for me than a career choice.鈥�

Based on research by various Canadian universities, the devaluation of immigrants鈥� prior education and work experience from their home countries is a pervasive issue. Highly qualified visible minority immigrants, possessing graduate and master鈥檚 degrees comparable to those from Canadian universities, find themselves relegated to menial jobs. This challenge disproportionately affects newcomer youth hailing from low income or marginalized communities.

Another formidable challenge encountered by newcomers is the economic hurdle. The unfavourable economic policies related to immigration further exacerbate their difficulties. The recent increase in the minimum cost of living financial requirement for international students from $10,000 to $20,635 intensifies the financial pressure on students, potentially leading to a decline in student immigration and consequently impacting the entry of newcomer youth to 91原创.

鈥淢ost settlement agencies would be more equipped to assist international students if they received increased funding from the federal government,鈥� said Kristin Schwartz, manager with CultureLink Settlement and Community Services, 91原创.

鈥淭he federal government expects international students to contribute financially to the country through fees and GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate). However, in return, the government invests very little in their support. This paradigm needs to change.鈥�

Furthermore, the skyrocketing rental rates and the housing affordability crisis also act as adversity against the integration process. Despite the government’s assurances of addressing the housing crisis, a sizable cohort of youth tussle with securing suitable accommodation. The weakened job market is also a contributing factor to this crisis, as youth struggle to secure part-time or full-time employment even after months of searching.

According to Statistics 91原创, a mere 100 jobs were added in December 2023, capping off a year in which unemployment rates rose from five per cent last January to 5.8 per cent.

Jithu Joseph, a social media influencer based in London, Ont., who came to 91原创 as an international student in 2018 said that his journey in 91原创 was far from exhilarating.

鈥淥ne of the most significant challenges I encountered in the integration process was my lack of awareness regarding the lifestyle, college education and part-time opportunities available here,鈥� he said.

Joseph secured his Canadian student visa through an immigration firm. 鈥淢y college admission and visa procedures were managed through an immigration consultancy in India. However, these consultancies often fail to provide an accurate portrayal of 91原创. They tend to exaggerate and misrepresent the opportunities available here,鈥� he said.

The 29-year-old considers himself fortunate to have connected with senior students from his community already in 91原创. They addressed his concerns by offering a realistic depiction of life here.

鈥淢any newcomers arriving in 91原创 come with lofty expectations of swiftly attaining lucrative jobs and accumulating substantial savings within months. Such high expectations can lead them to disappointment and even depression when reality diverges from their anticipated path,鈥� he said.

His advice to newcomers is to 鈥渢emper their expectations. Anyone arriving here should understand that life in 91原创 is not akin to a fairy tale; it doesn鈥檛 mirror what is often depicted on social media.鈥�