Maytree Conversations: How could the Canadian government respond to this report, especially in areas where we’re weak?

Maytree Webinar Q&A on the MIPEX Canada results:
How could the Canadian government respond to this report, especially in areas where we’re weak?
There is some value in debate being organized on issues about political involvement and engagement.  We need to do more work around policy involvement and engagement of immigrants in Canada.
Has health policy been considered for MIPEX?
Such a comparative study moves slowly, but has expanded from four to seven policy areas. It would take time to determine proper research questions. For example, what, specifically, would we want to cover regarding health? Some aspects, such as anti-discriminatory access to services are covered indirectly.
This is the third year. How did Canada do compared to previous years? Did this study take into account some of the more recent policy shifts in Canada?
Research reflects the situation as of May 31, 2010. Canada only went up one point because of the pan-Canadian framework on credential recognition. Researchers recognize that this is a massive undertaking. Very few other countries have been doing this kind of work on credential recognition.
Changes after May 2010 will be factored into the next MIPEX study, in two years time.
What were your findings of how well new Canadians (and immigrants elsewhere) fared in the job market?
The study looks are legislative framework, not actual labour market integration, unemployment rates, etc. This type of information is available from Canadian Census data, and other reports. However, the study encourages dialog around these issues, including expert exchanges between countries.
Which of the MIPEX indicators is most useful to addressing issues of immigrant integration in local communities?
Integration is not uniquely local, national policies are essential. Cities do have a big stake. MIPEX can be used to review national policies. Cities can lobby national government to enhance policies. When legal framework is in place, support is delivered locally.
Cities can create targeted measures, develop the systems, work to get funding to implement, work with local actors. Education is an example of provincial responsibility, which needs support nationally for even support across the country. National and local connections do exist.
Stakeholders can decide on the importance of a particular area and do their own weighting. Play with MIPEX data at www.mipex.eu/play.
Will MIPEX look at the gap between legal structure/policy framework and social and economic integration of immigrants in reality?
Yes. It is important to determine how good policy translates into good outcomes. This will be looked at during the upcoming Metropolis conference and other gatherings. Future plans include to connect policy inputs and policy outcomes.
Read more at Maytree Conversations
See also Conversations in Integration by Cities of Migration