Moving this discussion from the
Barrhaven LRT | Proposed thread in the
Transportation forum.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aylmer
Think about this a bit. An immigrant who comes in might rely on social services for the first 3-4 years as they integrate but then they become working net contributors to society.
But growing up in Canada, I benefited from social services for the first 22 years of my life in subsidized childcare, subsidized health services, free dental until 14, subsidized university, tax breaks for my parents, etc. It has taken me 23 years to become a net contributor to society with a job that pushes me above the poverty line.
An immigrant comes raised and educated on someone else’s dime. And we get to chose people with valuable skills.
A Canadian-born baby will be a drain on ressources for two decades. And even then, there is FAR from a guarantee that that person will end up developing any useful skills (we can all think of examples  ).
Have babies for love. Have them because it’s a beautiful thing to watch a human grow. But don’t have them for economic performance - they’re just not a solid financial or societal investment. |
I mostly agree but will take it a step further. People confuse immigrants with refugees.
Refugees "might rely on social services for the first 3-4 years as they integrate" but they are taken on humanitarian grounds because as a civilized, developed society it is the right thing to do.
Immigrants are selected based on their qualifications and how they will benefit the country. Most don't rely on social services at all as they need to prove that they either have someone to support them locally or have a job that they can jump right into. As a result, they are not a drain on society but a huge benefit for the reasons you pointed out.
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