Chinese migration declines

A long time ago, way back in the 70s, 80s and early 90s, Canada was inundated by immigrants from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China. Well, Canada’s demographics is about to radically change as immigration from China subsides, while newcomers from India increase.

The initial data that China was going to be a top-source country has been reversed. However in 2005, China was still the largest source country. The change has some advantages and one of them is that the English-language training costs will be reduced because the vast majority of Indian applicants speak English. This expenditure is paid by the provincial government. It is still a wonder to me why the government is responsible in teaching English to new immigrants. It is the responsibility of immigrants to learn the language of the country they have chosen to reside.

It is a fact that majority of the immigrants from Mainland China are not English speaking and many had difficulty in integrating to the Canadian mainstream of life. And many don’t even bother to learn the English language and are even proud of their inability to communicate in English with non-Chinese. That’s how tolerant Canadian society can be to the point of being silly and foolish.

But if the Chinese interest in Canada as a place to live is on the decline, the Philippines was rated as a rising third in immigration source. The new trend will surely change the business scenario and movement, specially those in real estate whose primary target are Chinese immigrants looking for luxury condominiums. The other positive scenario is that it will help Canada tap into India’s booming economic growth.

Studies showed that countries with large immigrant population have stronger trading relationships with the key immigrant source.

There are several theories why there are less Chinese immigrants. The Chinese economy is booming so there are more business opportunities and employment in China. Then, there is the aging population factor, caused by the one-child policy. And lastly and finally, the changes in Canada’s requirements putting a greater emphasis on English-language proficiency.

CanWest News Service reported that one in 10 Canadians would rather lose their mother-in-law than their cellphones. There must be a lot monsters-in-law in the country. With practically everyone attached to a cellphone there’s this general fear of losing one’s phone and losing touch with the mobile universe. Isn’t is dreadful that we now live in a society where a group of people could not survive without a cellphone and that taking the addictive cellphone is a catastrophe social act.

It is nice to know though that 91 percent of Canadians surveyed are annoyed by fellow cellphone users in public places and 50 percent are annoyed by cab drivers talking on their mobiles while driving.

British Columbians are said to be the number one smokers of marijuana. Cannabis like alcohol has also been regarded as a "normal" recreational drug in the province. According to the Canadian Addiction survey, more B.C. residents report having used Cannabis (53%) than other Canadians (44%).

Rex Navarette’s Fil-Am stand-up comedy was so well received in Vancouver that many Filipinos, specially those who missed his show want him back. His recent SRO show at Massey Theater at New Westminster was his second visit to the city. His humor really connects with the younger Filipino-Canadians who are apparently familiar with his Badass Madapaka theme.

A new poll conducted indicated that 53% of Canadians believe that the terrorist attacks suck as the 9/11 were a very specific violent reaction to foreign policies of the US government. Only 36% reported that the terrorist bombings signaled an attack against "all western style, affluent democracies because they hate their ideas and values," symbolized largely by the United States.

The poll also indicated that a significant number of Canadians continue to be affected by the attacks. But despite the lasting effect on many, about 77% of Canadians have moved on since the attacks but with some life-altering side effects. On a personal note, I am afraid to fly outside Canada because of fears of terrorism.