The Sunday Magazine Canadian immigration, Bill Bryson, Canada-China relations, Comedic Canadianisms
Nov 23, 2025
In this lively discussion, Tony Keller, a Globe and Mail columnist, dives into Canada's shifting immigration debates sparked by a post-pandemic surge. Best-selling author Bill Bryson shares his insights on making science accessible, especially during a time of skepticism. Dennis Molinaro, a former national security analyst, sheds light on the complex history of Canada-China relations and the implications of foreign interference. Comedian Charles Demers humorously explores unique Canadianisms, from butter chicken to the melancholic call of loons, celebrating our quirky national identity.
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Numbers, Not Values, Drove Attitude Shift
- Canada shifted from a long-standing immigration consensus to widespread concern because intake surged dramatically after 2021.
- Tony Keller links attitude change to numbers rising far beyond historical norms and government rhetoric failing to disclose temporary-stream growth.
The Surge Outran Planning Capacity
- Annual immigration rose from ~250,000 for decades to over a million in 2021–2022 and 1.3M in 2023, altering perceptions.
- Tony Keller warns such scale strained planning for housing, healthcare and transit because it outpaced targets.
Selectivity Matters For Long-Term Growth
- Policy changes prioritized volume over selectivity, shifting toward lower-skilled temporary entrants.
- Keller argues this damages long-term GDP per capita and amplified service delivery problems without planning.
