Letters and Articles 

Canada’s Immigration Paradox: Talent Welcomed, Skills Wasted

Each year, Canada welcomes thousands of skilled immigrants and refugees to address pressing shortages in healthcare, engineering, and other regulated professions. Yet while entry into the country is relatively seamless, entry into one’s trained profession remains obstructed by complex licensing requirements, inconsistent provincial standards, and employer bias. The result is a structural paradox: a nation that actively recruits global talent but fails to fully leverage the expertise it admits.

This disconnect carries real costs. Underutilized skills mean lost productivity, suppressed earnings, and delayed integration. Reforming foreign credential recognition is not merely a technical fix—it is an economic imperative and a moral obligation.

Read the full article to explore how Canada can transform immigration into productivity through smarter regulation, coordinated policy, and inclusive labour market practices.

Canadian registered charities may not realize that, under Article XXI of the Canada–U.S. Tax Treaty, they are automatically recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) organizations. This recognition offers a direct pathway into the U.S. donor market, the largest philanthropic economy in the world. While the default classification as a private foundation imposes certain limitations—particularly on donor deductibility—Canadian nonprofits have the option to apply for public charity status. Doing so unlocks broader tax benefits for American donors and opens doors to institutional funding.

This article, published by Refugee Pathways and Integration Canada Inc. (RefPIC), outlines the treaty framework, key compliance requirements, and strategic actions Canadian organizations can take to expand their fundraising reach across borders.

Read the full article ›

Building a federal not-for-profit or charity in Canada is more than a legal formality. It is a commitment to purpose, accountability, and long-term impact. From incorporation to charitable registration with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), and securing recognition from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for cross-border operations, success requires strategic planning, resilient governance, and sustainable resource development.

With nearly 30 years of leadership in the humanitarian and nonprofit sectors, I have helped organizations navigate every stage of growth including compliance, grant acquisition, and digital transformation. At RefPIC, we believe strong foundations create lasting change. We are here to help visionary leaders build institutions that not only serve but endure.

At Refugee Pathways and Integration Canada Inc. (RefPIC), our mission is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: every person deserves dignity, safety, and a chance to rebuild. As we reflect on our global journey, I’m reminded of the countless lives touched by displacement—and the strength and resilience that emerge when communities come together.

We proudly align with international humanitarian principles to deliver integration services across Canada and humanitarian programs around the world. Whether it's helping newcomers find their footing or supporting host communities in crisis zones, our work is about creating real pathways to protection, opportunity, and justice.

This mission is not just ours—it belongs to every person who believes in compassion without borders.