Flows of People and the Canada-China Relationship

Abstract:

China is the top source of immigrants to Canada, and an important sources of students and tourists. It is also a major magnet for Canadians in search of better job opportunities and education.  This paper argues that Canada should adopt a forward-looking policy to take advantage of its Canadian diaspora living in China and the growing number of talented individuals from China who choose to make Canada their home.

The flow of people between Canada and China is unmatched by any other OECD country.  Ottawa should investigate the possibility of an agreement with Beijing on human capital. This could cover citizenship, visas, education and training, professional accreditation, social security, taxation and even extradition. These bilateral issues will become bigger policy challenges for Beijing and Ottawa in the years ahead. There is an opportunity now to address these issues in a comprehensive fashion, and to turn potential problems into a competitive advantage for the bilateral relationship. This paper is published in cooperation with the Canadian International Council.