Immigration was top of mind on Sept. 25 as Member of Parliament for Vancouver East Jenny Kwan video-called into the TRUSU NDP club’s immigration forum at the TRUSU lecture hall to speak to supporters.
Wednesday’s event was one of several monthly forums the club expects to host this year. Club leader Levi Escobar, a fourth-year philosophy student, said this forum’s inspiration was clear.
“We choose [event topics] democratically. If students come to us and suggest event ideas, we’re going to take that into consideration. So many students came up to us about immigration… it was just overwhelming the demand for an immigration event,” Escobar said.
Forty individuals registered for the event, and the 55-person capacity lecture was nearly full, including club organizers.
“It was a good way to start off the semester for us, I think we did get quite a bit of people. There were some hiccups, like in any event,” Escobar said. “We learn from those hiccups; we improve our methods. [The event] turned out pretty well, all things considered.”
The forum aimed to spread information surrounding immigration and securing permanent residence. During her presentation, Kwan emphasized the challenges international students hoping to immigrate may face.
“Canada’s immigration policies allow [and] facilitate exploitation,” Kwan said. “Immigration should be recognized as a national building tool for Canada and we should recognize the contributions of the newcomers to Canada — whether you’re an international student, a refugee or an immigrant.”
These challenges come following an announcement from the federal government earlier this month that limited foreign enrollment at post-secondary institutions and put limitations on work permits from spouses of international students.
“When Canada needs the workers, the newcomers, the students to come to Canada, they will use the policies for what they need; but the minute things turn, they’re also the first to be blamed for Canada’s problems,” Kwan explained.
Kwan also highlighted how housing challenges are impacting international students and Canadians at large.
“Housing is being built and used as a commodity to turn the biggest profit for the investors and the landlords,” Kwan said.
Guest speakers are a staple of Escobar’s NDP forums. Depending on who speaks, the presenter may present in person or remotely, like in Kwan’s case. He said he hopes to host an environment-themed event in the future.
According to Escobar, the club’s membership has steadily risen over the last year. Currently, the club totals nearly 350 general members.
“We gained 200 members since the end of the winter semester last year. It’s been massive… the growth,” Escobar said.
Students can visit the TRUSU NDP Instagram page to participate in this growth or to find information on the club and future forums.