Justin Trudeau’s departure from the Canadian political scene raises major questions, particularly for the millions of people who saw in his leadership a symbol of openness and opportunity. While Canada has welcomed a record number of Moroccan immigrants under his mandate, the prospects for such a promising future appear uncertain. Does this political turning point mark the end of the Canadian dream for Moroccans?
For several years, Canada has established itself as a destination of choice for millions of people from different backgrounds. In this great wave, thousands of Moroccans have made Canada a strategic space in their quest for new opportunities.
Remember that this open policy was initiated under the leadership of Justin Trudeau. Since coming to power in 2015, Trudeau has embodied a vision of Canada that is open, inclusive and progressive. The country has strengthened its attractiveness thanks to inclusive immigration policies, allowing thousands of Moroccans to build a strong community in this country.
Read also | Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned
His government notably strengthened immigration policies, facilitating access to studies, work and permanent residence. For many young Moroccan talents, Canada has today become an Eldorado.
In figures, according to Statistics Canada, in 2022, more than 20,000 Moroccans have obtained a permanent residence permit, a figure which has almost doubled compared to 2015. More and more Moroccan students, too, are choosing the Canada: nearly 19,000 of them were continuing their studies there in 2023, making Morocco one of the country’s main sources of international students.
Behind these figures, a dream marketed by the Trudeau government: that of an accessible Canada, where foreign talents find a favorable environment to flourish.
However, in recent times, the reality has become quite different with the emergence of a tougher policy on migration, a key pillar of Trudeau’s policy.
With the announcement of his departure, the country finds itself at a major turning point. For many, the policies that have allowed Canada to become a popular destination could undergo significant change.
Indeed, immigration has recently sparked intense debates in the Canadian political landscape, with certain parties advocating more restrictive measures in the face of economic and social pressures. Added to this are internal challenges: a housing crisis which has seen prices increase by 40% in five years and a saturation of public services in large cities.
These issues could redefine Canada’s priorities in welcoming newcomers, calling into question the progress of recent years.
The end of an era?
“The favorite international destinations for Moroccans to work are, in order of attractiveness, Canada, France then Germany,” revealed a Rekrute study on the subject. It is in the health sector that the figures are increasing.
Today, with the end of the Trudeau system, uncertainty is palpable in the migration issue. The “Canadian dream”, which attracted many people, was based on the values of diversity and openness promoted by Trudeau.
Today, the question is whether these ideals will survive his departure. With a Moroccan community estimated at 120,000 people living in Canada, and thousands more hoping to join the country, the future of this special relationship hangs in the balance.
Read also | Canada: after 9 years in power, Justin Trudeau could resign this week
Could Trudeau’s departure mark the end of a chapter of hope and opportunity, or will Canada be able to preserve its status as a welcoming land for Moroccan talent?
Contacted by Challenge, Mohammed Tazi, CEO of Archimed Consulting, specialist in student support, explains that he has removed the Canada destination from his services in recent years: “Today, the real estate crisis, in particular the surge in prices, and especially the high cost of living in Canada, mean that the choice of Canada for many Moroccan students is no longer an option,” explains Tazi.
For the latter, Trudeau’s departure risks amplifying things: “Today, there is a collective idea in the country against migration. I think that in the coming years, Canada will become more closed. »
For his part, political journalist Yves Derai makes a more global analysis: “Beyond the departure of Trudeau, it is the arrival of Donald Trump to power in the United States which seems worrying for Canada. He is already developing a hegemonic vision with his project of fusion between the USA and Canada, which would be nothing other than the disappearance of an independent Canada, despite its cultural specificities. And for migrants, this would not bode well given Trump’s very protectionist immigration policy. »
And added: “I don’t think so, but be careful all the same. The man is unpredictable, and his trademark is that he does what he says. His ambition seems to have no limits since he also mentions the annexation of Greenland and Mexico! »