About Us

We are a group of 6 First Year Global Development Studies students from Queens’ University in Kingston, ON. In our lectures and course readings, we investigated the idea of Canada as a society divided by the idea of the immigrant other, with a focus on discrepancies between those who portray characteristics of ‘whiteness’ and other races. We also explored the false idea of multiculturalism and its effects on immigration policies and practices, the wrongs in the Canadian immigration system and gendered immigration practices. As a group, we chose to investigate the various discriminatory practices and biases embedded within Canada’s current immigration policies and guidelines. Issues of immigration relate to the ‘real world’ as they affect the structure of Canadian society as a diverse nation composed of a spectrum of immigrants and settlers from a multitude of different countries. The immigration policies existing in Canada are relevant not just to those who wish to immigrate into the country, but also to those who are already settled, as they ultimately establish the future of the country by determining who will and will not be allowed entry.

Monday, 25 March 2013

ESL Education & Immigration



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          In Brian D. Morgan’s article, “Critical Practice in Community Based ESL Programs: A Canadian Perspective,” it is said that teaching ESL should be community based considering the area in which it is taught, and to whom it is taught to, the social identity and the culture. Morgan describes the field of ESL as “currently experiencing a tie of profound experimentation and debate, not simply over the best methods to achieve common goals but rather what those goals might and should be,” (Morgan 2002:141). An example used within the article references the Quebec referendum on sovereignty and the lessons learnt on citizenship (Morgan 2002:142). It is believed that teaching ESL should consider both sides equally, the immigrant background, and the country - in this case Canada - they are trying to immigrate to. The process should be transformative and reflexive to change but still ideologically focused. In other words, if you wish to come to Canada, and succeed, you must be able to adapt and accept the local culture, language and regulations. 
          I believe that the money used towards ESL programs makes up for itself in the long run. Taxpayer money used on ESL programs demonstrates that skilled immigrants who settle in another country contribute to the economy and are in fact taxpayers themselves. You could argue it’s a win/win for both the immigrant and the country.  Studies show if immigrants live in isolation with their own language and culture they do not adapt to their new countries language. As a result, they will not get suitable jobs and thus not contribute to the economy. Medical doctors, for example, have to speak English or French to be able to communicate with patients in order to get the job done. Developed countries with an aging population with decreasing taxpayers have to have immigration of younger skilled workers to provide the services and fill the needed jobs in order to contribute to the tax base. This cannot be accomplished without the implementation of ESL programs to ensure Canadian language standards are upheld.
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