MORE TRINIS FLEEING TO CANADA

MORE Trinidadians and Tobagonians than ever are seeking to migrate to Canada.

Thousands of nationals are trying to flee crime-riddled T&T, which is also burdened with high unemployment and other historic social and economic problems.

Applications for landed immigrant status are arriving each day in hard copy or online at the St. Clair offices of the Canadian High Commission.

And bookings for language proficiency examinations are maxed out.

International English Testing System exams, which are held at The University of the West Indies, each fortnight, are booked solid for the next few months.

Many prospective applicants are accessing the points-based immigration system to become eligible for landed immigrant status in the North American country.

Some are attempting to get into Canada through the express entry programme, which has stringent requirements, including educational levels, and English or French proficiency.

Higher marks are given to applicants under the age of 30.

Business or educational ties also offer a fast track to landed immigrant status and citizenship.

This year, Canada is welcoming a record 505,000 permanent residents from around the world.

The number is scheduled to rise to 550,000 in 2025.

There is no allocated number for each country, and applications are treated on merit.

But nationals of T&T, who have long and deep community ties with Canada, have been seeking to head to that country in light of the deteriorating domestic quality of life.

Most of the applicants are middle-class families, some of whom have seen their small or middle-sized businesses impacted by the Covid-19 lockdown and the ongoing national crises.

Some applicants have opted to chuck their jobs in T&T for the sake of their safety, economic welfare, and children’s education.

Among those seeking greener pastures in Canada are tenured university lecturers, displaced energy industry professionals, information technology experts, early retirees from teaching and the public service, and executives in various fields.

Some entrepreneurs are aiming to run their operations remotely or through close relatives and senior employees.

A large number of working-class applicants, including some who lost their jobs in the private sector, are also heading northbound.

A year ago, the Canadian High Commission invited T&T nationals to apply through the Atlantic Immigration Programme for a chance to settle down in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, or Labrador.

The other comparative period of T&T nationals attempting to migrate to Canada in large numbers was in the mid-1980s, amid high unemployment, steep taxes, and political instability.

An entire Penal village sought refugee status.

The requirements for refugee entry have since been revised ad toughened, but applicants are treated on a case-by-case basis.

The authorities recently turned down an applicant who said he and his family feared for their lives because of threats over a land dispute.

Others have pointed to the high incidence of violence, and have indicated that they were crime victims.

Still others say they are unable to secure jobs.

Rejected applicants have the right to appeal.

There has been a flood of “consultancies” offering to assist applicants.

But in the past, the Canadian consular authorities have explained application forms are easy to understand and the high commission provides free advice.

Canada is identified each year by the United Nations as one of the best countries in which to live based on specific metrics.

There are at least two generations of citizens with T&T connections residing in that country, with most having successful careers and quality lifestyles.