Podcast: Jim Irving On Why We Need Immigration To Grow The Economy
J.D. Irving, Ltd. is among the largest employers across Atlantic Canada and in recent years has been struggling to recruit staff particularly into specific occupations such as truckers and forestry workers. They have started to recruit immigrants as part of their overall human resources development plan.
In this week’s episode of the Huddle “Insights” podcast, David Campbell and Don Mills sit down with Co-CEO Jim Irving to talk about the company’s immigration attraction activities and to get his insight into how we can better attract and retain newcomers to our region. Instead of just complaining about the growing shortage of workers, Jim Irving believes the private sector should work closely with the government to develop solutions.
Jim says new immigrants will stay if they can find work and are embraced by the broader community.
“If people feel welcome they generally stay if there are reasonable opportunities,” says Jim. “Just like we tell the government, money goes where it’s wanted. Well, people will stay where they’re wanted.”
“[They] might have a different skin colour. They might speak a totally foreign language, but they’re interested in moose hunting or fishing, or hockey, or whatever else is going on,” says Jim. “It doesn’t take long and people are accepting. We find we have a really good acceptance rate from men and women who have been with us for years. They say, ‘you’ve got to bring people in.’ They embrace it.”
Jim says immigration must be part of a larger effort to grow the population, which will help companies grow the economy.
“There are always opportunities,” says Jim. “Number one, though, we’ve got to get the population up. There are going to be limited opportunities if we have a declining population.”
This is the second in a series of conversations about population growth in the region that will feature interviews with area companies and advocates for increased immigration.
The “Insights” podcast combines the experiences of an economist, David Campbell, and a social scientist, Don Mills, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing Atlantic Canada, to promote data-driven decision-making among policymakers, and to encourage a wider dialogue and debate leading to greater prosperity for the region.
Search for “Huddle Insights” on podcast platforms like Apple and Spotify, and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. You can also listen to past conversations there.