Al Pace – Pace Law Firm:
My firm does extensive immigration work. As part of that work, I have
the opportunity to travel widely and experience immigration matters from
many different perspectives. I’m troubled by what I sense to be perhaps
an increasing general resistance to the acceptance of immigrants into
our country, based on a sentiment in some circles that immigrants bring
little to, yet create a significant burden on, our societal resources.

My
parents were immigrants. I know how grateful they were to be accepted
into this country, and how aware they were of the magnificent
opportunities it provides. They became proud citizens and productive
members of the societal fabric. The overwhelming majority of current
immigrants are exactly the same.

Beyond any sense of sheer
altruism or charity, immigration to Canada is a demographic and
economic imperative; our country cannot compete, grow and develop
without a healthy infusion of immigrants. To believe otherwise is to
ignore economic and demographic realities.

I have met many, many potential investor class immigrants to Canada.
There is not one I would not be proud to have as a neighbor and fellow
citizen.

One aspect of the Canadian
immigration climate that has had considerable attention lately is the
case of the ‘investor class’ immigrant. A principal objection to this
category of applicant appears to be that financial wherewithal allows
one to “jump the queue”, suggesting a form of economic opportunism and
an untoward favoritism. Federal politicians and immigration officials
seem to be increasingly reluctant to maintain programs and avenues for
this class of immigrant.

In virtually the rest of the
world, investor immigrants are highly regarded, sought and courted
because they are perceived to, and do, bring significant benefits to the
countries they select as end destinations: investment, jobs, expanded
trade opportunities and new business perspectives. Their presence
enhances not only the present, but also the future.

I have
met many, many potential investor class immigrants to Canada. There is
not one I would not be proud to have as a neighbor and fellow citizen.
Not only do they bring enormous potential economic gains; their values
and aspirations complement the highest ideals that Canadians hold dear.

In
a challenging and turbulent world economy, we cannot afford to turn
away the very sorts of people who would serve to maintain and build our
country’s competitiveness and productivity and contribute to our growth,
based purely on blinkered parochialism.

Al Pace is the founder of Pace Law Firm.