#22. We need more than policy to fix Canadian immigration
We need to start asking what sort of system we are trying to build.
Hey hey,
So I did a thing last weekend. I moderated a panel at the Immigrant Business Expo event in Calgary, a yearly event run by New Canadians. And it was loads of fun. Plus I made new friends.
In today’s newsletter: Nisrine Maktabi talks about trauma and resentment in immigrant homes.
Plus: I make an argument for why immigration policy alone won’t fix the problems we have with the Canadian immigration system.
Also: Keely Cronin of WorkSpark thinks survival jobs are valuable Canadian experience
By: Dozie Anyaegbunam
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How trauma creates resentment in immigrant homes
Nisrine Maktabi is a trauma-informed coach and registered psychotherapist with over a decade of experience supporting newcomers, international students, and multicultural professionals in Canada and globally.
She usually works with newcomers and second-generation immigrants, helping them work through something most immigrants don’t recognize as trauma: people-pleasing.
Surprised? I was too.
She says people-pleasing isn’t about being nice or accommodating. It’s a survival response called “fawning”—your nervous system’s way of keeping you safe by making others happy.
Listen to the full conversation⤵
We need more than policy to fix the current crisis we are facing with Canadian immigration
The technology writer, Kevin Kelly has this interesting framework for describing problems caused by new technology; Class 1 and Class 2 problems. Class 1 problems are due to it not working perfectly. Class 2 problems are due to it working perfectly.
For the sake of this piece, we are going to think of the Canadian immigration system as new technology.
If you agree with me, then you would also agree that a major reason why everything seems so broken and confusing at the moment is because somehow, our immigration system is suffering from these two classes of problems at the same time.
Read the full thing⤵
Survival jobs are valuable Canadian experience
Keely Cronin runs WorkSpark with Manoj Ananthanarayanan, where they support professionals who have migrated to Canada as well as anyone looking to make a mid-career transition.
One conversation she has over and over again with the folks she coaches is the gap, or more like valley between your qualifications, experience, skillset, and the infamous first survival job most newcomers have to start with in Canada.
Keely’s point of view is even if you’re a deep-sea engineer working at Tim Hortons, you should see that time as valuable Canadian experience. And as roles that immerse you in everyday Canadian culture.
Listen to the full conversation⤵
What am I excited about?
Have you taken the newcomers archetype quiz? If you have, could you please share it with a fellow immigrant? Pretty please.
I’m working on some interesting content series around the Canadian workplace. Wanna take a guess what I might be covering?
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Events
Who: For international students, young professionals, and newcomers
When: Friday, October 24th | 14:30 - 16:30
Where: Deloitte, 850 2 St SW #700, Calgary, AB T2P 0R8
What: Gain practical insights, build meaningful connections, and take ownership of your career journey.
Free