Event Host/Institute: CERC in Migration and Integration, Toronto Metropolitan University
Event date and time: May 9, 2023, 6:30PM – 8:30PM EDT
Event location/venue: Sears Atrium, George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre, Toronto Metropolitan University
Event type: Roundtable Discussion – Pre-conference Event
Link: https://www.torontomu.ca/cerc-migration/events/2023/05/canada-immigration-narrative/
Description from Host: Canada is known around the world for its multiculturalism and comparatively welcoming attitudes towards immigrants and refugees, as well as for being characterized as the first ‘post-national’ state, as Justin Trudeau famously announced back in 2015. The country stands to offer an important example internationally. And yet, in Canada, research suggests that the dominant narrative is mostly instrumental, benefiting some and marginalizing others. While public attitudes towards immigration have grown increasingly positive in the last 20 years, this could be mainly a self-serving interest rather than an actual openness in society.
With increasing socio-political polarization and continuing systemic racism, there is also a concern that this narrative, as imperfect as it is, could be replaced with a more protectionist view towards immigration. Is there opportunity to move the narrative in another direction, toward a more inclusive and welcoming society for its own sake?
Join the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration program at Toronto Metropolitan University for a roundtable discussion to offer a critical reflection on the dominant Canadian immigration narrative today. The discussion will also consider what additional views need to be heard and explore suggestions about how we can build an inclusive narrative to shape the future.
Speakers:
- Andrew Parkin, Executive Director, Environics Institute
- Anna Triandafyllidou, the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration
- Debbie Douglas, Executive Director, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants
- Goldy Hyder, President and Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of Canada
- Naheed Nenshi, former Mayor of Calgary, Community Builder, The Ascend Group
