Canada’s Immigration Policy, Moral Obligations and Global Justice

Abstract

In this paper, I defend Canada’s nationalist approach to immigration because it allows Canadians to exercise control over their national priorities and the future direction of their political community. Canada’s nationalist approach also allows Canadians preserve their national identity and the resourcefulness that it engenders. I base my arguments primarily on John Rawls’ claims that reasonable people, interested in furthering their individual interests, want to live in a society in which they can cooperate with other members of the society in a manner that is, largely, agreed upon and accepted by all members. On this basis, members of the society are willing to establish and abide by mutually agreed upon principles of justice to guide the assignment and distribution of rights, advantages and obligations within their society (ToJ 150-156). I also argue that, while the loss of skilled professionals to emigration can be beneficial, immigrants who originate from LDCs owe obligations to those left behind.