Tag: Canada

The Federal Government has assured the Canada of its commitment to consolidating the existing relationship with the country on the heels of their bilateral ties for mutual economic benefits in agricultural development.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Sen George Akume gave the assurance while receiving in audience the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Jamie Christoff, who visited in company of the Canadian Political Attache to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Murphy, in his Office.

According to a statement by the Director of Information in the Office of the SGF (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen, Akume also noted that both countries share a lot in common with regards to the system of government adding that both countries practice federal system of government. 

Explaining to the Envoy that Nigeria practices a three-tier government, the Local Government which is the third tier of government is designed to cater for the development of the grassroot. He also highlighted that no Federal system is the same as it differs from country to country. He reaffirmed that the federal system of government is the best form of government if well structured.

On the current economic situation in the country, the SGF stated that it was inherited but gave the assurance that the hardship will only be temporary due to the current economic policies of the government that is fundamentally designed to cushion the situation and bring succour to the citizenry. He mentioned that the economic policies include amongst others, streamlining the Multiple Foreign Exchange window, the Multiple Taxation Regime, and the removal of the Fuel Subsidy.

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Dr. Jamie Christoff, the Canadian High Commissioner, while responding, said:‘I am a great believer in Nigeria and Nigeria is a great country. We share a lot in common as we also practice a Federal System of Government’. He noted however that it can be designed to suit different levels but needs some form of coordination. In furtherance of his response, he said Canada is a country with two official languages and that they have people from all over the planet that make up the country. 

The High Commissioner on the economic development of the two countries emphasised that Nigeria and Canada are large producers of grains and for this reason a lot could be done together to achieve a viable economic development that is mutually beneficial. He pledged a stronger agricultural cooperation between the countries that will bring further prosperity.

He promised to let his country know that Nigeria is presently undergoing a transition process with regards to the economic situation of the country. While re-emphasising his pledge to support Nigeria, he assured the SGF that he should always count on Canadian Government for necessary support.

George Akume while thanking the envoy, stressed the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the bilateral agreement between the countries to bolster the economic development with a view to reassuring the citizenry. Noting that it may be recalled that in 2022 Nigeria was Canada’s largest bilateral trade partner in Africa, with Canadian imports from Nigeria totalling about $1.7billion mainly on mineral fuels, oils and cocoa.

A Canadian province, British Columbia, has banned tertiary institutions from admitting Nigerians and other international students for the next two years.

Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced this in a statement.

According to Miller, the measure aims to decrease new student visa issuance by 35 per cent for the current year as the province addresses “exploitative practices” within the system.

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The Premier of British Columbia, David Eby, stressed the need to address issues within the international education system, recognising its pivotal role in the province’s social and economic framework.

He said: “There are a wide array of private institutions, big and small, in our province, but regardless of the institution’s size, our expectations of the level of quality are the same.

“There are institutions that are not meeting our expectations right now.”

A Canadian province, British Columbia, has banned tertiary institutions from admitting Nigerians and international students for the next two years.

Federal Immigration Minister, Marc Miller announced recently in a statement.

According to Miller, the measure aims to decrease new student visa issuance by 35 percent for the current year as the province addresses “exploitative practices” within the system.

Read Also: Japa: Stay away from Ontario, housing is extremely expensive – Canadian Diaspora warns Nigerians

The Premier of British Columbia, David Eby, stressed the importance of addressing issues within the international education system, recognizing its pivotal role in the province’s social and economic framework.

He said: “There are a wide array of private institutions, big and small, in our province, but regardless of the institution’s size, our expectations of the level of quality are the same.

“There are institutions that are not meeting our expectations right now.”

Vivian Etuka, a Nigerian residing in Canada, has cautioned individuals considering migration to Canada to avoid the Ontario province.

She said that many Nigerians who lacked proper research and information ended up on the streets upon their arrival in Canada.

Etuka, who is the Founder and CEO of Bethel Outreach Community Services spoke in Abuja on Thursday, January 18, when she met with the Chairman and CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).

She explained that lots of Nigerians end up in refugee camps as a result of not following the proper channels.

She advised those considering migration to Canada to steer clear of the Ontario province, citing its overpopulation and high cost of living.

Emphasizing that settling down is easier for those with direct job opportunities, she also highlighted the scarcity of housing in Ontario, with many Nigerians reportedly sleeping outdoors in the cold.

 Etuka, who is involved in caring for refugees in Canada, stressed the importance of being certain about arrangements before making the move.

She said: “I’m not putting fear on anybody. I’m saying there are right and wrong ways to move to any country. When you’re coming to any country, please make sure you do your research. And make sure you go to like if you’re coming to Canada I speak on Canada because that’s my home. Go to other provinces that are less populated. I’ll tell you again stay away from Ontario.

“Housing is extremely expensive. I have four days ago, two immigrants that are sleeping outside passed away. 

“With extreme -25 degrees, it is not good for anyone to be sleeping outside.

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“So if you’re coming to Canada and do it the right way, there are right ways to do things online how to migrate to Canada with a job you can look for a job that types LMIA jobs that can employ you before you get to Canada.

“Don’t come to Canada and let agents deceive you that as soon as you get off the plane there are jobs. If there are jobs ready, what about Canadians out on the street?

“Don’t you think they want to work? So that should let you know what’s wrong.

“Nobody’s going to hand you a job from the airport. You’re going to have to work out to look for the jobs, and housing, you’re sharing the room with somebody paying $1,200 a month and some landlords are requesting for a whole year before you can move in.

“We have young men and women that are Nigerian sleeping on the street. I have 23 of them in a church downtown that has no washroom and they are dependent on people like me for food, clothing, and looking for jobs.

“We are helping them advocate with the government. And I implore you please do come to Canada, it is a beautiful place but come the right way. So we are not burdened trying to help you settle you and everything. It’s difficult. Immigration is expensive, is very difficult. So do it the right way and enjoy the same Canada that I enjoy.”