Politics

New Immigrants Fleeing Trudeau’s Canada Over High Living Costs

Published

11 months ago

2023-12-10

New Immigrants Fleeing Trudeau's Canada Over High Living Costs

Due to the high cost of living and rental shortages, many immigrants’ ambition of making it big in Canada is turning into a battle for survival, as soaring emigration rates hint at newcomers being forced to turn their back on a country that they chose to make their adoptive home.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made immigration his main weapon in combating Canada’s major challenge of an aging and slowing population, while also helping to fuel economic growth. According to Statistics Canada, this year saw Canada’s population grow at its fastest rate in more than six decades.

However, a reversal of that trend is already taking hold. According to official figures, 42,000 people left Canada in the first six months of 2023, adding to the 93,818 who left in 2022 and the 85,927 who went in 2021.

According to a recent analysis from the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), an immigration advocacy group, the rate of immigrants departing Canada reached a two-decade high in 2019. While the numbers fell during pandemic lockdowns, Statistics Canada records suggest that they are already rising again.

While this is a small proportion of the 263,000 who arrived in the country during the same time period, a consistent increase in emigration has some observers concerned.

A rising trend of people departing Canada threatens to undermine one of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s signature achievements, which gave permanent residency to a record 2.5 million people in just eight years.

Because of the high cost of living, Reuters spoke with a half-dozen people who have either left the country or are planning to leave.

Cara, 25, arrived in Canada as a refugee from Hong Kong in 2022 and now pays C$650 ($474) a month for a single-room basement apartment in Scarborough, east Toronto, which is roughly 30% of her monthly take-home pay.

“I never realized that living in a Western country, you can only afford renting a room in the basement,” she told me. She refused to reveal her full identity since she fled Hong Kong after taking part in the 2019 protests sparked by a now-defunct extradition bill.

Cara works three part-time jobs, earning the minimum wage in Ontario of C$16.55 per hour, and attends an adult learning school to acquire university credits.

“I almost use every single penny,” she said, adding that she was able to save nearly a third of her monthly wage in Hong Kong.

To be sure, emigration as a percentage of Canada’s total population peaked at 0.2% in the mid-1990s and is now about 0.09%, according to official government figures.

While the numbers are minor right now, attorneys and immigration advisers warn that a surge might cast a pall over Canada’s desirability as a top destination for newcomers.

“There’s a real importance in creating positive experiences in those early years” so that individuals opt to stay, according to ICC CEO Daniel Bernhard.

Immigrants cite skyrocketing housing costs as the primary reason for considering a new nation.

In Canada, roughly 60% of household income is required to pay property ownership costs on average, up to about 98% in Vancouver and 80% in Toronto, according to RBC in a September research.

Myo Maung, 55, immigrated to Canada from Myanmar more than three decades ago and has established a successful career as a real estate agent and restaurateur. However, he intends to retire in Thailand since he cannot see himself maintaining his quality of living in Canada on his retirement income.

Rapid immigration, according to Phil Triadafilopoulos, a political science professor specializing in immigration at the University of Toronto (UofT), is increasing the housing problem.

“It’s not surprising then that people who have options… either go to another country or go back home having had a taste of the situation in Canada,” he said.

To relieve pressure on the housing market, Trudeau’s government set a quota of 500,000 new immigrants per year beginning in 2025.

However, for some, it is too little, too late.

Justinas Stankus, 38, who moved to Canada from Lithuania in 2019 to pursue a doctorate in political science at the University of Toronto, is thinking about relocating to Southeast Asia, where the cost of living is lower and he can continue his study.

Stankus, who pays C$2,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment that includes utilities, says rising living costs have made it impossible to finance basic essentials.

“With a graduate student’s budget, it is not sustainable,” stated Stankus.

Cara from Hong Kong feels stuck and wishes to leave. “Whenever I get a chance to leave, I will take the chance.”

Geoff Thomas

Geoffrey Thomas is a seasoned staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. With his sharp writing skills and deep understanding of SEO, he consistently delivers high-quality, engaging content that resonates with readers. Thomas' articles are well-researched, informative, and written in a clear, concise style that keeps audiences hooked. His ability to craft compelling narratives while seamlessly incorporating relevant keywords has made him a valuable asset to the VORNews team.

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Politics

Concerned About Matt Gaetz’s Campaign, Senate Republicans Call for a House Ethics Investigation.

Published

2 hours ago

2024-11-14

Salman Ahmad

Mario Tama/Getty Images/Getty Images North America

(VOR News) – Given that a growing number of Republican senators are seeking access to the investigation of Matt Gaetz conducted by the House Ethics Committee, Gaetz’s nomination for the position of attorney general may encounter significant opposition in the Senate.

On Thursday, Matt Gaetz submitted his resignation from the House of Representatives, one day after President-elect Trump announced his acceptance of these positions.

The House Ethics Committee has completed its investigation into allegations that Matt Gaetz was involved in drug use and sex trafficking.

Similar allegations were levied against Matt Gaetz.

The investigation commenced in 2021. Dick Durbin, a Democratic senator and current chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued a statement on Thursday requesting that the House ethics panel “preserve and share” their report along with any additional evidence collected regarding Gaetz.

Durbin’s statement was made in relation to his ongoing tenure in his current role. Durbin’s remark was made public on Thursday.

Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn, a senior member of the Judiciary Committee who recently lost the Senate Majority Leader race, informed reporters on Thursday that the Senate “should obtain all pertinent information by any means necessary,” potentially including a subpoena for the ethics report.

Cornyn is a prominent member of the Judiciary Committee. Cornyn is a senior member of the committee that supervises the Judiciary. Cornyn is hired by the organization tasked with overseeing the Judiciary.

“None of us desire to operate without guidance,” he stated to the reporters in the Capitol, and his assertion was entirely accurate. It was an entirely accurate assertion. “This serves to safeguard the president from unforeseen information or revelations that he and his team may not have anticipated.”

While other senators are inquiring about the particulars of the investigation undertaken by the Ethics Committee during the confirmation hearings, Cornyn is aligning with those senators who are insisting on this information.

Cornyn has conceded that he lacks definitive clarification over the Senate’s ability to request data from the House; still, this is the current situation.

A source familiar with the process, who requested anonymity to discuss confidential deliberations, indicated that the House Ethics Committee’s meeting was scheduled for Friday. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether the meeting will occur without additional clarification.

That meeting may have been the committee’s vote on Matt Gaetz’s disclosure.

This may have been the committee’s plan. Senator Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, stated that Matt Gaetz’s candidacy “will be one of those that will be well-scrutinized.”

According to Tuberville’s account on Thursday, his response to the press was: “It will be a fine-tooth comb, and they were aware of that beforehand.” “It will be a meticulously crafted product.”

Tuberville remarked, “I have known Matt Gaetz for an extended period and have consistently admired him.”

In reaction to the inquiries directed at Matt Gaetz, other Republican senators chose to abstain from commenting. Representative Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, delivered a clear statement declaring, “no comment.”

When queried about Gaetz, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa responded by commending Elise Stefanik, a congresswoman from New York and a nominee for the Trump administration. Stefanik is a candidate for the role of Secretary of State. Ernst made the statement to National Public Radio while commuting on the Senate subway.

He characterized the situation as “highly intriguing.” “Elise is exceptional!” She remarked about Gaetz as the metro vehicle departed the station: “He faces a formidable challenge.” She stated this while the vehicle was leaving the station.

Cornyn stated to the reporters, “I am unfamiliar with the individual.” That was his observation. In response to the inquiry on any worries about Matt Gaetz candidacy, this reply was made.

SOURCE: NPR

Politics

President-Elect Trump Picks Matt Gaetz to Be Attorney General

Published

22 hours ago

2024-11-14

Geoff Thomas

Matt Gaetz's experience as a lawyer and member of the House Judiciary Committee.

President-elect Donald Trump has named Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz, 42, his attorney general. This position doubles as the country’s top prosecutor and the director of the Department of Justice.

Trump announced the nominee in a post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, noting Matt Gaetz’s experience as a lawyer and member of the House Judiciary Committee.

He also stated that Gaetz’s nomination would be part of his strategy to rid the government of perceived opponents. Trump has frequently accused Democrats of “weaponizing” the Justice Department against him, a charge he reiterated in Wednesday’s statement.

Matt will halt weaponized government, secure our borders, dismantle criminal organizations, and restore Americans’ severely eroded faith and confidence in the Justice Department, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Donald Trump has sent shockwaves across Washington by appointing former Democratic congressman Tulsi Gabbard as the new director of national intelligence.

The moves sparked quick criticism that the president-elect ignores qualifications to put his most fervent followers in charge of the country’s most important government agencies.

Even before Gaetz and Gabbard were named, Trump aroused eyebrows by naming Pete Hegseth, an army veteran and Fox News commentator, as his contender for defense secretary.

Trump has also made more conventional picks for prominent jobs, such as choosing Florida Senator Marco Rubio to be Secretary of State.

Gaetz’s planned appointment as attorney general comes as President Trump threatens to restructure the US Department of Justice in retaliation for criminal investigations and indictments initiated against him by federal prosecutors in recent years.

Tulsi Gabbard at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Tulsi Gabbard was the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) Vice-Chair from 2013 to 2016 when she resigned to support Bernie Sanders for the Democratic presidential candidacy.

Tulsi is an Iraq War veteran and Army reservist. Three years ago, she received the rank of lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserve.

“As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties – She is now a proud Republican!” According to Trump’s remarks.

“I am confident that Tulsi will bring the courageous attitude that has distinguished her remarkable career to our intelligence community, championing our constitutional rights and securing peace through strength. “Tulsi will make us all proud!”

Once confirmed, Tulsi Gabbard will advise Trump, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council on national security issues.

Geoff Thomas

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Politics

Trump Shakes Up Pentagon Names Pete Hegseth Defence Secretary

Published

22 hours ago

2024-11-13

Geoff Thomas

Pete Hegseth Trump Defence Secretary - VOR News

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David Walsh and Pete Hegseth - U.S. Marine Corps image

US President-elect Donald Trump has picked Pete Hegseth, a decorated Army veteran and Fox News broadcaster, as his defense secretary. The announcement sent shockwaves across the Pentagon and defense industry.

Many in Washington expected the nominee to be a seasoned legislator or someone with defense policy experience. Trump’s choice of Hegseth caught them completely off guard.

In his first political post, 44-year-old Pete Hegseth will be in charge of the world’s most powerful military. He previously served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

When he announced his decision on Tuesday, Trump praised it as “tough, smart, and a true believer in America First.” He also emphasized the former soldier’s schooling at Princeton and Harvard institutions and his combat experience in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice – our military will be great again, and America will never back down,” the president wrote on Facebook.

The president-elect also highlighted Hegseth’s work as a published novelist. He stated that The War on Warrior “reveals the leftwing betrayal of our warriors and how we must return our military to meritocracy, lethality, accountability, and excellence.”

Hegseth was a major in the Minnesota National Guard who worked as a prison guard in the Guantánamo Bay detention camp and Iraq and Afghanistan and has been an outspoken critic of what he calls “woke” policies inside the US military and its leadership.

“The dumbest phrase on planet earth in the military is our diversity is our strength,” Hegseth stated on a webcast last month.

One of his responsibilities as defense secretary could be to carry out Trump’s campaign vows to remove US generals accused of supporting progressive agendas within the military.

Trump stated that entrepreneur Elon Musk, another political novice, would help the administration decrease costs.

Trump’s government is taking shape following his victory in last week’s presidential election. Hegseth was part of a flurry of security appointments, including Trump’s selection of John Ratcliffe to lead the Central Intelligence Agency.

If confirmed by the US Senate, Hegseth will arrive at the Pentagon with decisions to make on topics such as military aid to Israel during its fight in Gaza and backing for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion.

Trump wants the United States to distance itself from foreign conflicts in general. During the election campaign, he criticized the Biden administration’s spending to aid Ukraine.

Also on Tuesday, Trump stated that he wanted South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to play a key role as homeland security secretary. Trump appointed another military veteran, Michael Waltz, as national security advisor, which means he will counsel the president on international dangers.

According to sources at the BBC’s US partner CBS News, Senator Marco Rubio, who shares Waltz’s strong views on China, is anticipated to be Trump’s future secretary of state. However, the selection has not yet been verified.

Republicans have regained control of the Senate and the upper chamber of Congress and are closing in on a majority in the House and the lower chamber as vote counting continues.