It seems to me that there is something seriously wrong with our immigration process if 70% of all refugees to Canada are making their homes in Toronto. Canada is an enormous country with opportunities for new comers in all of our provinces and territories. Unfortunately Toronto’s desirability is costing us a fortune in welfare claims. There are approximately 14,600 refugee claimants on welfare. The Province of Ontario contributes 108 million dollars to the cause and Toronto kicks in an additional 27 million dollars. Although the City of Toronto budgets for 20% of the refugee welfare claimants, the budget is being strained and there is talk of cutting back on some of the programs due to rising costs.

Of course everyone is looking to the Feds for financial help regarding the refugees’ welfare claims. And although that may be the short-term solution, is that really the answer? Shouldn’t we be reexamining our whole immigration process from selection to relocation? Surely there are cities and towns in Canada that are in greater need of immigrants than Toronto is. Shouldn’t we be trying to determine in advance what skills the immigrants have and relocate them in an area where those skills would be in the greatest demand? If our immigration system was operating properly I don’t believe that we would have 14,600 refugees on welfare. Our newcomers would be working, tax paying members of society who would be contributing to the system, not taking from it.

I am not making disparaging remarks about people who want to come to Canada and make a better life for themselves and for their families. Who could blame them? I applaud them for having the courage to leave everything behind and start anew. But I think that our processes are in serious need of a revamping so that we can ensure the happiest possible outcome for all concerned.