Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ New visa programs spark brain drain fears across Africa

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

As a Canadian, I am very supportive of immigration. This especially applies to refugees fleeing conflict and persecution. Last year, Canada welcomed close to 500,000 new residents. It's a drop in the bucket on a planet with 8 billion people, but the point being made here is well taken, as many new Canadians are the best educated from places like Africa. As our government reports, in Canada, "Immigrants account for 36% of physicians, 33% business owners with paid staff, and 41% of engineers." I think that we in Canada have an obligation to make this up to origin countries (at least, those that are not actively forcing people out through war and oppression). We do it for hockey players. We should do it for doctors, accountants and engineers. And we should make sure origin countries do not lack for these skills because of any actions on our part.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
stephen@downes.ca

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Last Updated: Nov 15, 2024 12:15 p.m.

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