On February 4, 2026, ISSofBC CEO Jonathan Oldman provided testimony to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM). You can watch the full hearing here or read the article below based on his remarks:
The future of Canada’s immigration system is at a crossroads. Jonathan Oldman recently stated at a CIMM hearing that Canadians still value immigration, but too many are unsure about the system’s direction and outcomes.
For half a century, ISSofBC has helped newcomers find work, build communities, and learn language skills. Yet today, the public mood has changed.
“Public discourse has shifted from healthy debate… to one that is increasingly divisive.”
-Jonathan Oldman, CIMM PANEL Hearing, February 2026
In his remarks to the CIMM, Jonathan raised the alarm about anti-immigrant rhetoric imported from abroad, undermining Canadian values and sowing doubt about newcomers’ role in society.
While public opinion data shows reduced confidence in economic and social capacity, it also reveals an important pattern: people who know more about immigration facts are less concerned. This suggests many Canadians are open to immigration but are not being presented with a compelling story of its benefits.
This is supported by recent research indicating that about half of Canadians recognize immigration as essential to address labour shortages and sustain economic growth, even as concerns about housing, healthcare, and public services persist.
Why vision matters
ISSofBC and nearly 200 other businesses, non-profits and community organizations jointly issued a statement last year that what is missing isn’t goodwill, but a coherent, positive vision of the future of immigration into Canada that is rooted in evidence, not fear.
The Canada We Believe In framework rests on five principles:
- Clearer, more streamlined immigration programs that drive economic growth. Today, our system is still confusing and too fragmented. Meanwhile, here in BC, for example, with slower immigration and population growth, labour demand is now projected to exceed supply by nearly 170,000 people over the coming decade.
- Whole‑of‑government coordination to align immigration with demographic trends and labour force demand, and to ensure the necessary community investment. Today, we are still treating these as separate conversations when they are deeply intertwined.
- Repudiation of divisive and counterfactual anti‑immigration rhetoric. In Canada, we may speak many languages and come from many places, but across our differences, we look out for each other.
- Recommitment to strong humanitarian programs that continue to transform lives and uphold our international standing. Today, too many Canadians are unclear about how different refugee streams work, how we meet our goals and obligations, and how supporting refugees brings communities together.
- Transparent measures of success that establish clear economic, social, and global impacts with outcomes reported back to Canadians. Success defined predominantly in terms of total arrivals and population rates isn’t sufficient anymore.
What the evidence says
Analysis from the Business Council of Canada shows that strong employer demand makes immigration vital for sectors struggling to attract skilled workers, with 80 % of firms reporting difficulty finding talent.
At the same time, a new National Opinion Poll found that immigration is no longer Canadians’ top concern, compared with issues such as the broader economy, healthcare, and international relations, suggesting an opportunity to reframe the narrative and highlight how immigration addresses Canadians’ key concerns.
A personal story with national relevance
During his testimony, Jonathan highlighted the story of Ebrahim, a young refugee from Yemen who arrived with little but great potential: a software developer, budding entrepreneur, and committed volunteer. Ebrahim’s words, “I believed Canada could be a place where I could build a life again,” encapsulate the promise at the heart of Canada’s immigration policy.
If Canada embraces a renewed, evidence-based vision, one that acknowledges challenges while affirming opportunity, it can both rebuild public confidence and ensure that immigration continues to be a source of prosperity, diversity, and strength.
Canada owes its newcomers — and itself — a positive vision for the future. The time for a reset is now.
