E99: Chris Friesen wants the government to rebuild public trust in immigration

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In this episode, I'm speaking with Chris Friesen, Chief Operating Officer at Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) about Canada's need for a long-term vision for immigration and why the current system is failing everyone involved.

Chris calls Canada a "giant global cohesion experiment." And despite all the challenges that come with our immigration approach in recent years, he thinks we're doing a lot of things well that other countries envy. The challenge now is getting past the current moment where everything feels "grindy."

His preferred approach to the immigration conversation? A all-hands-on deck Canadian conversation about immigration. Not screaming or accusing each other on social media. Not electoral soundbites (we recorded this episode before the election). But an informed discussion that considers all the nuances about the kind of country we want to be.

The solutions Chris proposes aren't complicated, but require political will. A 10-year population growth strategy. National credential recognition. Better success indicators. Proactive rather than reactive planning.

And most importantly, rebuilding public trust by communicating what immigration actually delivers for Canada.

In this conversation, Chris and I chat about the economic realities of Canada’s population numbers. We also explore:

* Moving beyond “us vs. them” to inclusive nation building

* Why we need a national vision for immigration beyond reactive policies

* How the temporary resident system became a runaway train

* The difference between nation building and short-term labor market needs

* Building welcoming communities that work for everyone

Official Links

✅ Connect with Chris Friesen on LinkedIn

✅ Newcomer in BC? Check out ISSofBC immigrant settlement services

One Ask

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