Unless you are one of the four per cent of Canadians who are indigenous, you come from an immigrant background.
In much of Europe and in the U.S. election, immigration has been a contentious theme. In Canada, we have welcomed refugees and have announced a gradual increase in the number of immigrants we hope to admit.
Why would Canada do that? Is there a reason to oppose immigration generally? Perhaps it’s just certain groups of immigrants that cause unease?
Is there racism involved, or concern about competition for jobs? Do some feel their culture is threatened by diversity in our community?
What support should be offered to new Canadians? Should they be treated like any Canadian or should special attention be made to ensure they succeed here?
Join us as Jim Brennan leads us into a discussion on why Canada would increase the number of immigrants admitted to Canada, the selection criteria we use to pick who can come and who are denied, and whether any of this is fair to Canadians or the newcomers.
Brennan is the executive director of the Immigrant Welcome Centre. He has a BA specializing in community development and an M.Ed. specializing in International Issues. He is deeply embedded in the need to find community development solutions like immigration for our local rural communities and this takes good critical dialogue. He looks forward to discussing the issues and solutions with you.
Once a month a speaker will introduce a theme to the Café, and then all who attend can join in respectful, non-partisan conversation, or just sit back and listen. You are welcome to propose topics and introduce them at future Cafés. Themes should be of broad interest and national significance, and have an element of controversy to them.
As with each Café, Jim Brennan will have just 10 minutes to introduce the topic, and then the floor is open for 50 minutes of moderated discussion.
The next Philosophers’ Café takes place Wednesday, Jan. 4, 7 p.m. at Berwick Comox Valley, 1700 Comox Ave., Comox, in the community room. This is a free event