Immigrant in Portage reflects on Canada’s welcoming spirit and challenges of work permits

Sanjeet Grewal acknowledges that there are several perspectives on the challenges faced by foreign workers in Canada and notes he understands the viewpoint of Canadian citizens.

We spoke with Grewal in a previous news story, and in this article, he focuses on some perspectives from his point of view that may surprise many Canadians.

Grewal, who recently moved to Portage la Prairie, recognizes that some foreign workers may have caused Canadians to feel uneasy about their presence.

“Some Canadians are not happy with the behaviour of immigrants, and to some extent, they are right,” says Grewal. “Some immigrants misuse the freedom here. They sometimes forget to respect the ethical values of Canadians. I guess some of the Indians, Pakistanis, and other immigrants have hurt the culture of Canada to some extent. I see cities like Toronto and Vancouver, which are heavily populated with immigrants, and somehow Canadians feel they have lost their own culture while helping other countries. So, if you see it from their point of view, they are not wrong. In a time like this, where every country is fighting with each other, Canada seems to be the only country inviting more and more people. It has a big heart; we can say that. It’s always open, it’s broad-minded—’You can also come, you can also come.'”

He believes Canada has a welcoming spirit that should be respected. Grewal adds that while Canada has helped many immigrants, some have mishandled that opportunity, which has affected how some Canadians view immigration.

“Some Canadians haven’t liked the immigration strategy proposed by the Trudeau government. The government has to tackle this problem wisely, I guess. They have to deal with both the immigrants and the Canadians. Some immigrants are not good, but then there are innocent ones like me and Abdul, who have nothing to do with anything—we’re just working and going by the lakeside after work. There are opposing groups and viewpoints, but we cannot claim that the government, immigrants, or Canadians are wrong. It’s their country, after all.”

Grewal says he feels Canada is a great country and notes the difference he sees compared to the U.S.

“It has a great welcoming nature. Everyone can settle down here, and there is no ‘society’ here. In India, there is a ‘society,’ and that’s the issue. A lot of immigrants are afraid to go back to India. Why are these immigrants leaving India or Pakistan to do labour jobs, living like labourers, working normal jobs, and paying so much money? Even after work permit failures, people are still buying $40,000 LMIAs. It’s because, in India or Pakistan, people are judged by their caste, occupation, house size, or religion. Some people are simply afraid to return to that environment. They don’t want their children to suffer in such a society-oriented country.”

He notes these societal pressures are why people are leaving countries like India and Pakistan.

“Personally, even if my permit expires, I don’t blame Canada or its government for not getting this extension policy. I think the government is trying to sort out the issue. Canada never promised immigrants permanent residency. It was just a hopeful environment that people would get permanent residency. If they aren’t willing to give PR, they could have invited fewer immigrants, or now reduce the number of immigrants from India and Pakistan. What they can do is help people who are already here and have invested so much money by conducting favourable draws.”

Grewal believes the government can adjust the system to support those already in the country.