In protest to China’s new security legislation and alleged human rights violations, the Canadian government developed a new work permit program to graduates from Hong Kong. The program will allow a pathway towards citizenship for those that have graduated from a Canadian institution, along with their partners and children. The current data shows the program is setting up to help around 300,000 people that are being hurt by China’s security efforts against Hong Kong. China has yet to respond to the work permit program that is going to be helping hundreds of thousands of their citizens.
Canada has been known for staying out of conflicts that do not necessarily pertain to them. This has been a new way to combat China’s recent actions towards Hong Kong. The human rights violations in Hong Kong has been an issue that has been condemned by most states, yet Canada is one of the first countries to follow that up with legislation. The program is mutually beneficial to Canada’s economic development as well. It brings in more workers, while helping those that need it the most. This is an example of the type of legislation that other states should be implementing.
By creating this program, the Canadian government is using the constructivist approach to an extent. While Canada’s economy may benefit some from new workers, it was not necessary for their economic goals. Canada is not in desperate need of more immigration, due to an ongoing influx of immigration. On the other hand, it takes some people out of a harmful situation, but does not solve the problem completely. Hong Kong’s independence will be a huge issue until China decides to let the region secede. This approach may lead to allies teaming up and doing the same thing, which poses a problem for China’s economy.