MP Jenny Kwan implies that the federal government failed to consider the impact of decreased immigration onto the Canadian GDP and less choices for domestic students as universities close departments.

She emphasizes how policy blame cast on immigrants have led to hate towards ethnic minorities.

Safa from Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House shares her experience moving from a conflict-afflicted area in Syria to finding and building a new community in Vancouver.

Shanna Delantar shares her story as a participant of professional development and social circles for newcomers at SVNH — and how that experience shaped her role as a Pre-Teen Newcomer Counselor.

Freisen emphasizes the need for credential recognition (international and cross-provincial) to allow internationally experienced professionals to participate in the Canadian workforce and fill crucial gaps amidst demographic changes.

ISS of BC Settlement Services Director brings up immigration’s role in powering the Canadian economy. He says that with diminished immigration, the federal government may need to consider pushing pension recipients back from age 65 to 67.

Lepps notes that Collingwood Neighbourhood House has lost 100% of its IRCC funding.

This would directly impact 800 community members, 20+ staff members, and a number of indirect effects within the community.

CNH Executive Director Betty Lepps shares her family’s story immigrating from Guyana and making Alberta their home — tying it into community spaces’ role in empowering them to make Canada their home.