Business owners in Nova Scotia are expressing concern over Canada’s recent immigration policies, which they say are creating obstacles for companies. They are advocating for a reassessment of these regulations.
Dave Carrigan, owner of Three Six Five Media, shared with CBC Radio’s Information Morning Nova Scotia that one of his top employees, video content specialist Zeng Sun, was compelled to leave Canada and return to China. Sun had been in Canada for seven years and worked for Carrigan for three of those years.
Carrigan described the situation as a significant shock, particularly given the challenges of managing a small business. He emphasized that Sun, who studied at NSCAD, distinguished himself in a rigorous application process.
According to Carrigan, Sun brought a positive attitude and a continuously evolving skill set to the team. “He was a dedicated worker who always strove to support his colleagues, and I grew to have great appreciation for him,” Carrigan noted.
Before Sun’s departure, he and Carrigan collaborated on a video project aimed at raising awareness about immigration challenges. The video features local business owners and workers from abroad seeking to remain in Canada.
Confusion in the Immigration System
In the video, Sun expressed his belief that he and other immigrants still have a bright future in Canada, provided they contribute positively and adhere to the rules. Carrigan questioned the federal government’s rationale for denying Sun and others a path to permanent residency.
“There seems to be a lack of communication and clarity within the system,” Carrigan remarked. “We’ve heard countless stories of individuals receiving conflicting information, leading to confusion as policies change frequently.”
Mike Mills, president and CEO of Cabco Communications Group, also spoke in the video about similar experiences faced by two of his employees, who had been in Canada for five years but were now facing a crisis over their expired work permits as they awaited permanent residency. “The assumption was that if you held a work permit while awaiting your residency status, it would be renewed, allowing you to work uninterrupted,” Mills explained.
A Humanitarian Crisis in Business
Mills elaborated on the implications of these policies, stating, “This is not only a business issue but also a humanitarian one. I feel immense sympathy for how immigrants are being treated. The rules seem to have changed unexpectedly, leaving many uncertain about their future.” He compared the plight of immigrants to athletes who signed up for a race but now find themselves stripped of the finish line.
He emphasized the negative impact on businesses as well. “Investing in these employees involves training and development, and losing their work authorization means starting from scratch,” he cautioned. Although Ottawa is broadening its Express Entry immigration program for specific skilled workers, Mills insists the focus should be on those who are already contributing to the economy.
Indefinite Waiting Times for Residency
Sarah McInnes, an immigration lawyer at McInnes Cooper, validated Mills’ observations. She mentioned that many of her clients face indefinite waiting periods for their permanent residency notifications. Notably, one of her clients, Luca Ferrante—the owner of Sapori Italian Street Food in Halifax—has been pursuing permanent residency for nearly seven years. Ferrante currently holds his fourth work permit, which is set to expire in October.
Ferrante expressed the stress that comes with worrying about work permit security while managing his business. At one point, he had to leave Canada to expedite his permit application after a previous rejection, which was shrouded in confusion about the refusal’s basis.
Small Errors Can Derail Applications
McInnes explained that even minor administrative errors can lead to application denials, significantly impacting the worker’s ability to remain employed. She argues for the necessity of allowing applicants to address mistakes and resubmit without losing their work status in the process.
With Ferrante unlikely to secure permanent residency before October, he plans to apply for another work permit, entering “maintenance status” for several months during the processing. This means he can work but is restricted from leaving the country.
A Deep Desire for Stability
Despite these challenges, Ferrante expressed a strong desire to remain in Canada. “We want to stay here. Since arriving, we’ve developed a deep affection for the culture and the city of Halifax. This is where my life is,” he remarked. He emphasized that leaving the country would mean selling his business and returning to Italy, which would be heartbreaking given the close relationships he has built with employees and customers alike.
