On This Page You Will Find:
- Why Sandy White supports high immigration levels
- How immigration can help Canada outcompete the U.S.
- What “better immigration” means
- Ways to fix Canada’s immigration system
- Frequently asked questions
Canada must not retreat from immigration – it must reinvent it. That is the central message of a recent Montreal Gazette opinion piece by Sandy White, a former senior adviser to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. As the 2025 federal election approaches, White is urging leaders to shift the conversation from reducing immigration to managing it better.
White argues that immigration has long been “the lifeblood of our prosperity.” But after years of poorly executed policies and strained public services, trust in the system is weakening. A recent poll he cites shows that 58 per cent of Canadians now believe immigration levels are too high.
Rather than cutting back, White says Canada should rise to meet this moment – by attracting the world’s top talent with smarter, faster, and more focused policies.
A Global Opening for Canada
White points to a key opportunity: the changing landscape in the United States. Once the top destination for skilled immigrants, the U.S. is increasingly marked by “economic uncertainty, political dysfunction and flirtation with authoritarianism and nativism.” These trends, White notes, are pushing immigrants – and even some American citizens – to question whether they want to remain there.
“In this maelstrom lies an opportunity for Canada,” he writes, “to present ourselves as a stable, well-functioning alternative.” As the U.S. becomes less predictable, Canada can stand out by offering safety, order, and opportunity.
In today’s economy, the most valuable resource is no longer oil or minerals – it’s people. “The global economy is no longer dictated by who has the most resources,” White explains, “but by who has the best people.”
Demographics Demand Immigration
White stresses that Canada’s low fertility rate and aging population mean immigration is not optional – it’s necessary. Employers across the country are struggling to fill roles, and the country faces severe workforce shortages in key sectors.
White highlights several urgent gaps:
- More than 200,000 vacant jobs in technology
- A shortage of nearly 30,000 doctors
- Too few people to support military and national security needs
He argues that well-planned immigration can help solve all of these problems – but only if the system is redesigned to attract and retain top global talent.
“Our failure to build an innovative economy turned us into a resource-rich branch-plant subsidiary of the U.S.,” he writes. “Tellingly, a study of Canada’s 50 largest companies reveals this absence of technological heft.”
Most major Canadian companies are still focused on traditional industries, while half of the top 50 firms in the U.S. are tech-driven. If Canada wants to lead in the future economy, White says, it must build a workforce driven by innovation – and immigration is central to that goal.
From More Immigration to Better Immigration
White makes it clear that he is not calling for wide-open immigration. Instead, he supports a more precise, quality-focused system. “The solution is simple – not less immigration, but better immigration,” he writes.
To achieve that, White proposes the following reforms:
- Streamlining credential recognition so newcomers can work in their trained professions
- Expediting processing times to keep Canada competitive
- Using advanced tools like AI, behavioural testing, and structured interviews to assess applicants
- Adopting a recruitment mindset, much like top global firms searching for top talent
This kind of system would allow Canada to attract doctors, engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and creatives – and give them a clear and efficient path to permanent residence.
A Cycle of Success
White also highlights the idea that talent attracts talent. If Canada becomes known as a place where high achievers thrive, more will follow. This creates a reinforcing cycle – the more skilled newcomers succeed here, the more others will want to come.
A smarter immigration system can make Canada a global hub for innovation and opportunity – boosting productivity, competitiveness, and economic resilience.
Public Confidence Can Be Rebuilt
White does not ignore the reality of public concern. With healthcare, housing, and infrastructure under strain, some Canadians feel overwhelmed. But White argues that immigration can be part of the solution – not the problem.
“Tragically, just when we need exceptional minds to reinvigorate our sclerotic economy,” he writes, “Canadians are being led to believe the opposite.”
He urges political and business leaders to clearly explain how smart immigration can:
- Improve housing by bringing in more skilled tradespeople
- Relieve pressure on healthcare by welcoming foreign-trained medical professionals
- Strengthen infrastructure through a larger, more productive tax base
White’s message is that immigration, if well-managed, is not a threat – it’s a strategy for renewal.
FAQ: High Immigration Levels in Canada
Why does Sandy White support high immigration levels?
White believes Canada’s economy and public services depend on immigration. With a shrinking workforce and rising demand for skilled labour, Canada must attract top talent to grow and remain competitive.
What does “better immigration” mean according to White?
It means a faster, smarter, and more selective system. White proposes using AI, credential streamlining, and recruitment-style assessments to find and welcome immigrants who can thrive and contribute immediately.
How can immigration help Canada compete with the U.S.?
As the U.S. becomes more unstable and less welcoming, Canada can step in as the preferred destination for global talent. This gives Canada an edge in tech, healthcare, and innovation.
Can immigration help fix healthcare and housing problems?
Yes – skilled immigrants can fill gaps in healthcare and construction, speeding up service delivery and home building. With proper planning, immigration is a solution to these challenges.
Why are some Canadians opposed to high immigration levels?
Some concerns stem from real pressures on housing and services. White says these frustrations are valid – but the answer is better management, not lower immigration. Leaders must do more to explain the benefits.
