Terrorism: A Global UnBalanced Threat and NATO's Role in Combatting It

 

Terrorism remains one of the most significant asymmetric threats to global security, affecting citizens worldwide and undermining international stability and prosperity. 

This persistent global issue transcends borders, nationalities, and religions, posing a challenge that necessitates a unified and robust response from the international community. 

Among the international actors, NATO could be a key player in the fight against terrorism. However, there is a growing perception that while NATO speaks extensively about counter-terrorism, its actions often do not match its rhetoric, particularly regarding groups like Hamas and the Houthis.

The path forward requires NATO to move beyond strategic dialogues and take decisive, unified actions against terrorist threats to ensure global stability and security.

Terrorism indeed poses a significant asymmetric threat to global security, transcending borders, nationalities, and religions. It requires a concerted effort from the international community to combat effectively.

The Asymmetric Nature of Terrorism

Terrorism, by its very nature, leverages asymmetric tactics to achieve its goals. Unlike conventional warfare, terrorist organizations utilize unconventional means to instill fear, disrupt societies, and gain political leverage. These tactics include suicide bombings, hijackings, cyber-attacks, and other forms of violence aimed at civilians and infrastructure. The global reach of terrorism means no nation is immune, making it imperative for the international community to collaborate in addressing this threat.

NATO’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy

NATO's approach to counter-terrorism encompasses three main areas:

1. Improving Awareness: NATO enhances the understanding of terrorist threats through intelligence sharing and strategic analysis. By pooling resources and expertise, member countries aim to create a comprehensive picture of the evolving terrorist landscape.

2. Developing Capabilities: To prepare and respond effectively to terrorist threats, NATO focuses on strengthening its defence mechanisms, cyber defence, and crisis management capabilities. This involves both military readiness and the development of technologies to counteract terrorist activities.

3. Enhancing Engagement: NATO says it will collaborate with partner countries and other international organizations to build a united front against terrorism. This engagement includes training, joint exercises, and diplomatic efforts to foster cooperation and coordination yet lacks a meaningful all-out war on terrorist organizations worldwide.

The Gap Between Rhetoric and Action

Despite these strategic efforts, a noticeable gap exists between NATO's rhetoric and its tangible actions. Particularly concerning terrorist organizations like Hamas and the Houthis, NATO's direct involvement has been limited at best or non-existent at worst.

• Hamas: Recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union, Hamas operates mainly in the Palestinian territories. While individual NATO members condemn Hamas and take measures against its activities, NATO as a collective entity has not engaged in direct military action against the group.

• Houthis: The Houthi terrorist movement in Yemen, involved in a prolonged conflict with the Yemeni government and its allies, has also been labelled as a terrorist organization. The terrorist Houthis' tactics and regional destabilization efforts have drawn international concern. However, NATO’s engagement has primarily been indirect, focusing on broader regional security rather than targeted military action against the Houthis when international shipping, daily takes a hit which affects the world economy and price of goods for the world's citizenry.

The Path Forward: Bridging the Gap

For NATO to effectively combat terrorism and align its actions with its rhetoric, several steps are essential:

1. Coordinated Action: Joint military operations, enhanced intelligence sharing, and strategic planning tailored to counter specific terrorist groups are crucial. NATO needs to move beyond general strategies and implement targeted actions against groups like Hamas and the Houthis.

2. Enhanced Operational Readiness: Developing rapid deployment capabilities and flexible response strategies will enable NATO to address emerging threats promptly and effectively.

3. Stronger Partnerships: Deepening collaboration with countries and organizations directly affected by terrorism is vital. By working closely with local governments and regional bodies, NATO can create a more comprehensive and cohesive counter-terrorism strategy.

Conclusion

Terrorism continues to be a formidable global threat requiring a unified and decisive response from the international community. While NATO's strategic framework for counter-terrorism is well-articulated, there is a pressing need for more concrete actions to match its rhetoric. By enhancing coordinated efforts, operational readiness, and partnerships, NATO can play a more effective role in countering terrorism and ensuring global stability and security.

The Hypocrisy of the D8 Countries in Condemning Israel While Committing Genocide and Human Rights Abuses

 

The Developing Eight (D8) group of countries—Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Pakistan—have consistently condemned Israel over various issues, particularly its conflicts with Hamas. 

However, these countries have their own dark histories and ongoing practices of human rights abuses and genocides, making their condemnations appear hypocritical. 

Here’s a detailed look at each of these countries and their troubling records:

1. Turkey: A Country That Committed Genocide Yet Denies It Today

Turkey has a well-documented history of genocide, most notably the Armenian Genocide during World War I, where an estimated 1.5 million Armenians were systematically exterminated. Despite overwhelming historical evidence, Turkey continues to deny the genocide to this day. Additionally, Turkey's ongoing conflicts with the Kurdish population have involved significant human rights violations, including reports of forced displacement and extrajudicial killings.

2. Egypt’s Prolonged Human Rights Crisis

Egypt has been in the grip of a prolonged human rights crisis, marked by severe restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and assembly. The government under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has been accused of widespread abuses, including arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances, and unfair trials. Political dissent is harshly punished, and the crackdown on civil society continues unabated.

3. Iran’s Repression Amounts to Crimes Against Humanity: UN

Iran is notorious for its severe repression of political dissent, religious minorities, and women's rights activists. The United Nations has reported that Iran’s human rights abuses amount to crimes against humanity. These abuses include torture, arbitrary detentions, and executions. The government's crackdown on protests and freedom of expression further exacerbates the dire human rights situation.

4. Bangladesh Genocide and Its Silence

Bangladesh has its own dark chapter of genocide during its war of independence in 1971, where Pakistani forces and local collaborators committed mass atrocities, including rape and murder. While the current government has tried to address these historical crimes, Bangladesh faces criticism for its treatment of Rohingya refugees and allegations of human rights abuses against political opponents and activists.

5. Indonesian Human Rights Abuses

Indonesia has faced numerous accusations of human rights abuses, particularly in regions like Papua and West Papua, where security forces have been implicated in extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary arrests of indigenous Papuans. Additionally, past atrocities such as the anti-communist purges of the 1960s, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated 500,000 to one million people, remain unresolved.

6. Malaysia’s Shocking Abuses Against Indigenous Peoples Defending Their Land

Malaysia has been criticized for its treatment of indigenous peoples, especially those defending their land rights against encroachment by palm oil plantations and logging companies. Indigenous communities face forced displacement, loss of livelihoods, and inadequate access to basic services. The government’s failure to protect these communities’ rights has been a major human rights concern.

7. Nigeria’s Human Rights and Genocide Violations

Nigeria has a troubling record of human rights violations and acts that can be categorized as genocide, especially concerning the Boko Haram insurgency. The military’s heavy-handed response to insurgency has led to numerous reports of extrajudicial killings, torture, and mass displacements of civilians. Additionally, ethnic and religious violence in various parts of the country has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread suffering.

8. Pakistan’s Campaign of Mass Murder, Rape, and Other Atrocities

Pakistan has been implicated in numerous human rights abuses and acts of genocide, particularly during the 1971 war with Bangladesh, where its forces committed mass murder, rape, and other atrocities. More recently, Pakistan has faced accusations of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and severe repression in regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Religious minorities and political dissenters also suffer from systemic abuses.

Conclusion

The D8 countries' condemnation of Israel, while they commit grave human rights abuses and genocides, highlights a glaring hypocrisy. These countries need to address their own human rights records and end their abusive practices before pointing fingers at others. 

True justice and accountability must start at home.

A Framework for Economic Stability: Zero Inflation, Controlled Money Supply Growth, and Capped Interest Rates

 

In economic policy, the pursuit of stability and growth remains paramount. Traditional approaches, such as the widely accepted 2% inflation target, have merits yet have significant drawbacks. 

As an alternative, a framework consisting of a zero inflation target, money supply growth capped at 2% above the zero inflation rate, and interest rates capped at a maximum of 4% offers a compelling path toward sustainable economic stability and consumer benefit. This proposal aligns with the principles of Milton Friedman's theories while addressing the complexities of modern economies.

The Proposed Framework

1. Zero Inflation Target: Maintaining a stable price level ensures that the purchasing power of money remains constant over time.
2. Money Supply Growth Cap: Limiting money supply growth to 2% above zero inflation provides liquidity without inducing inflation.
3. Interest Rate Cap: Capping interest rates at a maximum of 4% keeps borrowing costs affordable and predictable.

Rationale for the Framework

1. Zero Inflation Target

Consumer Confidence and Purchasing Power: Zero inflation preserves the value of money, allowing consumers to plan their spending and savings without the fear of eroding purchasing power. This stability is crucial for long-term financial planning and confidence.

Business Planning and Investment: Businesses thrive in a stable price environment, as it allows for accurate forecasting and long-term investment decisions. This predictability fosters economic growth by encouraging innovation and expansion.

Mitigating Deflation Risks: While zero inflation aims for price stability, it also guards against the negative impacts of deflation. Deflation can lead to decreased consumer spending and increased debt burdens, which this policy seeks to avoid.

2. Controlled Money Supply Growth

Inflation Control: By capping money supply growth at 2% above zero inflation, the framework minimizes the risk of inflation. This controlled growth ensures that the money supply expands at a pace that supports economic activity without leading to excessive price increases.

Monetary Flexibility: The 2% cap provides enough liquidity to support economic growth and respond to short-term economic shocks while maintaining overall price stability. This balance is key to fostering a stable economic environment.

3. Interest Rate Cap

Affordable Borrowing Costs: Capping interest rates at 4% ensures that borrowing costs remain low, stimulating investment and consumer spending. This is particularly important for economic recovery and growth.

Predictability and Stability: Predictable interest rates provide stability for both borrowers and lenders. This predictability reduces uncertainty and supports long-term financial planning and investment.

Economic Stimulus: Low interest rates encourage borrowing and spending, driving economic activity. This stimulus is essential for maintaining momentum in the economy, especially during periods of economic downturn.

Case Study Analysis: The Great Depression

To understand the potential impact of this policy framework, let's apply it to the Great Depression, a period marked by severe deflation and economic contraction.

Historical Context

• Deflation Causes: Stock market crash, bank failures, reduced consumer and business spending, tight initial monetary policy.
• Economic Impact: GDP contraction, skyrocketing unemployment, severe price deflation (~25% decrease in prices).

Hypothetical Policy Implementation

Monetary Policy Adjustments:

• Money Supply: Instead of contracting by ~30%, the money supply would be increased by up to 2% annually.
• Interest Rates: Cap nominal interest rates at 4%.

Counterfactual Economic Outcomes:

• GDP and Employment: The proactive increase in money supply and capped interest rates would likely result in less severe GDP decline and lower unemployment rates.
• Inflation/Deflation: Controlled money supply growth could prevent sharp deflation, maintaining stable price levels around zero inflation.
• Financial Stability: Increased money supply and capped interest rates could stabilize the banking sector, reducing the likelihood of bank failures and financial panic.

Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

1. Deflation Risks:

   • Economic Stagnation: The risk of deflation can lead to reduced consumer spending and business investment.
   • Mitigation: Implement unconventional monetary policies, such as quantitative easing, to inject liquidity into the economy during downturns. Fiscal policies, like increased government spending and tax cuts, can also stimulate demand.

2. Interest Rate Cap Constraints:

   • Limited Monetary Policy Tools: With a cap on interest rates, central banks have less room to maneuver in response to economic shocks.
   • Mitigation: Utilize other tools like forward guidance, asset purchases, and macroprudential policies to maintain financial stability and economic growth.

3. Money Supply Management:

   • Monitoring and Adjusting: Ensuring the money supply grows at a controlled rate requires continuous monitoring and adjustment.
   • Mitigation: Develop robust monetary policy frameworks and tools to accurately measure and control money supply growth. Coordination with fiscal policy can enhance effectiveness.

Long-term Benefits

1. Sustainable Economic Growth:

   • Investment and Innovation: Stable prices and affordable borrowing costs encourage long-term investments and innovation, driving sustainable economic growth.
   • Consumer Welfare: Enhanced consumer confidence and purchasing power contribute to improved welfare and quality of life.

2. Financial Stability:

   • Debt Management: Predictable and manageable debt servicing costs reduce the risk of financial crises and promote financial stability.
   • Risk Mitigation: Controlled money supply growth and stable interest rates help mitigate the risks of asset bubbles and financial market volatility.

Conclusion

The proposed framework of a zero inflation target, money supply growth capped at 2% above zero inflation, and interest rates capped at a maximum of 4% offers a structured and balanced approach to achieving long-term economic stability and consumer benefits. While there are challenges, particularly related to deflation risks and limited monetary policy tools, these can be mitigated through robust policy frameworks, continuous monitoring, and effective coordination with fiscal policy. This approach aligns with the principles of Milton Friedman's theory, emphasizing price stability and controlled monetary growth, ultimately fostering a stable and prosperous economic environment.

Proposal Capping Interest Rates: Linked to Inflation Rate

 

In recent years, the volatility of interest rates has become a significant concern for both consumers and financial institutions. The concept of pegging interest rates to inflation with a fixed cap has garnered attention as a potential solution to promote economic stability and protect borrowers. This article delves into the implications of such a proposal, examining its potential benefits and challenges.

Understanding the Proposal

The proposed policy suggests that interest rates for credit cards, bank loans, and first mortgages should not exceed 3 percentage points above the annual inflation rate. This approach aims to create a more predictable and stable lending environment, benefiting both borrowers and the broader economy.

The Current Landscape

Interest rates are already influenced by inflation as part of broader monetary policy. Central banks, like the Federal Reserve, adjust interest rates based on various economic indicators, including inflation, employment, and economic growth. However, this proposal introduces a specific limit, offering a clear upper bound for interest rates, which could enhance consumer protection.

Benefits of the Proposal

1. Consumer Protection: A fixed cap on interest rates can prevent excessively high borrowing costs, making loans more affordable for consumers. This protection can reduce the likelihood of defaults and financial distress among borrowers.

2. Predictability and Stability: By linking interest rates to inflation with a fixed cap, borrowers and lenders can enjoy greater predictability. This stability allows consumers and businesses to plan their finances more effectively, promoting sustained economic growth.

3. Economic Stability: Tying interest rates to inflation ensures that monetary policy remains responsive to economic conditions. This responsiveness can help stabilize the economy by mitigating the impact of inflationary pressures on borrowing costs.

Challenges and Considerations

1. Impact on Lenders: Financial institutions might face reduced profitability, particularly during periods of low inflation. To compensate, banks may need to adjust their business models, potentially leading to higher fees or stricter lending criteria.

2. Market Distortion: Artificially capping interest rates could distort the lending market, potentially reducing the availability of credit. Lenders might become more cautious, resulting in stricter credit requirements for borrowers.

3. Implementation and Enforcement: Establishing and maintaining such a policy would require robust regulatory mechanisms. Ensuring compliance and adapting the policy to different economic conditions could pose significant challenges.

4. Inflation Volatility: Inflation rates can be volatile, leading to rapid changes in borrowing costs. Borrowers may find it challenging to manage their finances in such an environment, necessitating effective risk management strategies.

Real-World Examples and Lessons Learned

Several countries have experimented with interest rate caps, offering valuable lessons for policymakers. For instance, historical precedents demonstrate the importance of balancing consumer protection with financial sector health. Analyzing these examples can help identify potential pitfalls and best practices for implementing the proposed policy.

Conclusion

The proposal to cap interest rates at a fixed spread above inflation holds significant promise for promoting fairer lending practices and economic stability. However, careful consideration is required to balance the interests of consumers and lenders and to address potential unintended consequences. By learning from real-world examples and implementing robust regulatory frameworks, policymakers can create a more stable and predictable lending environment, benefiting the broader economy.

As this proposal continues to be debated, it is essential to keep in mind the overarching goal: to protect consumers while ensuring a healthy, resilient financial sector capable of supporting sustained economic growth.

Hamas's Gaza Claimed Civilian Casualties Inflated Based on Historical Facts

The reported numbers of civilian casualties in Gaza are inflated, as the terrorist group Hamas is the one putting out the figures, as the exact impact can only be determined through rigorous and independent verification which today has not happened.  

The high civilian-to-combatant death ratio, reliance on Hamas local sources, and basically no access to independent observers all contribute to the grossly conceivably inflated numbers, with no vigorous independent outside continuous efforts to improve data accuracy and verification which is essential for a true understanding of the conflict's impact relating to actual combat and civilian deaths.

What is strange is that politicians, as well as large sections of the public and the media, are buying into a narrative crafted by a murderous, amoral, duplicitous cult. Last year, Michael Milshtein, a retired Israeli intelligence official and an expert on Palestinian media affairs, told The New Yorker that Hamas thinks all Westerners are stupid. They may be right.

It’s not that Hamas has made truth a casualty of war, it’s that it has convinced so many to embrace lies with easy abandon.

While reported civilian casualty numbers in Gaza are inflated, rigorous and independent verification is needed to determine the exact actual numbers. The high civilian-to-combatant death ratio, reliance on local sources, and limited access to independent observers contribute to inflated numbers. Continuous efforts to improve data accuracy and verification are essential to truly understand the conflict's impact.

Final Thoughts

Accurate reporting of civilian casualties is crucial for understanding the humanitarian impact of conflicts, guiding international response, and ensuring legal accountability. By comparing different conflicts and examining the challenges in casualty reporting, we can better appreciate the complexities and strive for more reliable data instead of mostly propagandized reports.

Civilian casualties in conflicts have always been a critical and often contentious issue. This analysis compares civilian deaths during World War II, the Ukraine war, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. By examining the numbers, sources, and context, we can better understand the humanitarian impact and the challenges in accurate casualty reporting.

World War II Civilian Deaths

Duration and Scale:

• Duration: 1939-1945.
• Global conflict involving multiple continents and major powers.

Estimated Civilian Deaths:

• Approximately 50-55 million.
• This includes Holocaust victims, bombings, massacres, and other war-related causes, with significant losses in the Soviet Union, China, Poland, Japan, and Germany.

Civilian Deaths in the Ukraine War (2022-Present)

Duration and Scale:

• Ongoing since February 2022.
• Localized conflict involving Russia and Ukraine with international implications.

Estimated Civilian Deaths:

• As of early 2024, estimates range between 8,000 to 12,000.
• These figures come from the United Nations, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and other monitoring bodies.

Civilian Deaths in the Gaza Conflict

Duration and Scale:

• Multiple conflicts over the years, with significant escalation in 2023-2024.
• Highly populated and small geographical area.

Estimated Civilian Deaths:

• Recent reports suggest around 4,000-5,000 civilian deaths in the 2023-2024 conflict.
• Sources include Palestinian health authorities, the Israeli military, the United Nations, and NGOs.

Civilian vs. Combatant Deaths in Gaza

Recent Conflict (2023-2024):

• Civilian deaths: ~4,000-5,000.
• Combatant deaths: ~1,000-2,000.
• This results in a ratio of approximately 2-5 civilian deaths for every combatant death.

Comparative Analysis

Civilian-to-Combatant Death Ratio:

• WWII: Civilian deaths were approximately twice the military deaths.
• Ukraine: Civilian deaths are lower compared to military deaths.
• Gaza: The higher ratio (~2-5:1) suggests that many reported civilian deaths might include combatants or individuals involved in hostilities.

Indicators of Potentially Inflated Numbers:

• Sources of Data: Local health authorities in Gaza may have biases or political motivations.
• Discrepancies in Reporting: Different organizations report varying figures, and independent verification is challenging.
• Nature of the Conflict: Gaza's high population density and militants operating within civilian areas complicate casualty counts.

Verification and Reporting Challenges

Access Restrictions:

• Limited access for independent observers and media in Gaza hampers accurate reporting.
• Independent investigations by international bodies are essential for precise assessments.

Technological and Satellite Data:

• Satellite imagery and other technologies are increasingly used for damage and casualty assessments but require on-the-ground corroboration.

Broader Implications

Humanitarian Impact:

• Significant displacement, injuries, and psychological trauma among civilians.
• Damage to infrastructure exacerbates the humanitarian crisis.

International Response:

• The international community's response is influenced by reported casualty figures.
• Accurate reporting is crucial for appropriate humanitarian aid and diplomatic efforts.

Legal and Ethical Considerations:

• Misreporting or inflating numbers affects legal assessments and accountability for potential war crimes.

Recommendations

Strengthening Independent Verification:

• Advocate for unrestricted access for international observers and journalists in conflict zones.
• Support neutral organizations providing unbiased casualty reporting.

Improving Data Collection Methods:

• Utilize advanced technologies alongside traditional methods.
• Encourage transparency from all parties in the conflict.

Education and Awareness:

• Raise awareness about the importance of accurate reporting.
• Educate the public and policymakers on casualty reporting complexities.

Justice System and Constitution in USA MORE Political than Judicial

 

The Supreme Court Has Never Been "politically neutral"

 Over the last 25 years PLUS, the court has become just another partisan institution. 

The Supreme Court was to devolve into just one more political institution, in an age of extreme partisanship and polarization, the fear goes, that the guardrails supporting our Constitutional system would fall away.

Andrew Jackson was open about defying the Supreme Court and firmly executed his Executive Power with the Indian Removal Act in 1830.

The Supreme Court has not just been divided along the ideological lines that always existed, but divided along partisan lines, with every justice appointed by a Democrat voting more liberally than every justice appointed by a Republican. That is far from the historical norm.

Supreme Court and Partisanship: The Supreme Court is increasingly seen as a political institution amid extreme partisanship and polarization, potentially undermining the Constitutional system.

Historical Defiance: Andrew Jackson openly defied the Supreme Court by using executive power to enforce the Indian Removal Act in 1830, exemplifying the dominance of executive authority over judicial rulings.

Perception of Partisanship: There is a growing sense that law is becoming synonymous with partisan politics, with the Supreme Court's recent decisions reflecting political motivations.

Roe v. Wade: Campaigns to appoint justices to overturn Roe v. Wade, which were successful, highlight the political nature of judicial appointments.

Partisan Division: The Court is now divided along partisan lines, with justices appointed by Democrats voting more liberally than those appointed by Republicans, which deviates from historical norms.

Historical Enforcement: The Brown v. Board of Education case demonstrated the need for executive action and societal acceptance to enforce Supreme Court rulings, with President Eisenhower intervening to enforce desegregation.

Public Confidence Decline: Polling data shows a significant decline in public approval of the Supreme Court, with many Americans viewing it as politically motivated rather than impartial.

Historical Political Engagement: Justices in the past, such as John Jay, John Marshall, and others, were actively involved in political affairs and maintained political ambitions.

Abe Fortas Example: Justice Abe Fortas maintained close political ties with President Lyndon B. Johnson, which led to ethical concerns and his eventual resignation, prompting changes in Supreme Court conduct.

The Supreme Court has increasingly become viewed as a political institution amidst today's extreme partisanship and polarization. There is a fear that this could undermine the guardrails supporting the Constitutional system. Historically, figures like Andrew Jackson openly defied the Court, showing that executive power often triumphs over judicial rulings.

Concerns are rising that the law is now perceived as partisan politics. Although some argue that the Court is more committed to law over politics than before, others see its decisions as politically motivated, especially with campaigns influencing judicial appointments, such as the case of Roe v. Wade.

The Court's division now reflects partisan lines, a significant departure from the past when ideological differences were less pronounced. Historical cases like Brown v. Board of Education show that effective Supreme Court rulings often require executive support and societal acceptance.

Public confidence in the Supreme Court has declined, with many Americans viewing it as politically driven rather than impartial. This perception is fueled by events like the text message exposure between Virginia Thomas and Mark Meadows.

The Supreme Court has never been completely apolitical. Early justices engaged in political activities, and throughout history, many justices maintained political ties and ambitions. Notable figures like Earl Warren, Hugo Black, and Abe Fortas exemplified the close relationship between the judiciary and politics.

Fortas' tenure highlighted the ethical dilemmas of such relationships, leading to his resignation and subsequent changes in Court conduct, including greater transparency and a reduction in direct political advising by justices.

This historical context reveals the complex interplay between judicial decisions, executive authority, and societal attitudes, challenging the notion of an entirely neutral and apolitical Supreme Court.

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/04/03/the-supreme-court-has-never-been-apolitical-00022482

Canadian Taxpayer Fund Universities/Colleges Must First Benefit Canadian Citizens

The funding structure of Canadian universities and colleges is a critical aspect of the education system, with a significant portion derived from public funds contributed by both federal and provincial taxpayers. 

In the 2021/2022 academic year, a substantial sum of $22 billion was allocated from provinces, the federal government, and various grants, constituting 52.7% of the institutions' overall funding. This financial support serves as a backbone for the educational opportunities provided to Canadian students, facilitating their access to high-quality tertiary education.

However, a notable distinction exists in the allocation of these funds, as they are designated exclusively for Canadian students and not extended to international students. This stance aligns with the belief that taxpayer-funded resources should predominantly benefit citizens of the country. The argument for such exclusivity is grounded in the idea that Canadian universities and colleges, supported by taxpayers and donors, should prioritize the education of their citizens.

In light of these considerations, I propose to restrict and cap the enrollment of international students to a maximum of 15 percent, both at the provincial level and for individual institutions, which emerges as a logical extension of the principle of fairness and equity. 

By implementing such limitations, the intention is to ensure that the primary beneficiaries of tax-funded and donation-supported higher education institutions are Canadian citizens. This approach seeks to strike a balance between the educational needs of domestic and international students while upholding the responsibility of public institutions to serve the interests of their citizens.

Proponents of this viewpoint and I would argue that while international students contribute positively to the cultural diversity and economic growth of the country, the core mission of publicly funded institutions should remain focused on providing accessible and high-quality education to Canadian residents. 

The proposed enrollment cap aims to safeguard the integrity of the educational system, fostering a balanced and inclusive environment that serves the interests of both the local population and international students.

Further, it is essential to acknowledge that discussions around enrollment caps for international students involve complex considerations, including economic impacts, cultural exchange benefits, and the potential for global collaboration. Striking the right balance between inclusivity and prioritizing domestic interests requires careful deliberation and a nuanced approach to ensure the continued success and sustainability of Canada's higher education system.

FACTS: There are currently 807,750 international students across all study levels who have study permits in Canada. Of the total 807,750 study permit holders, 551,405 received a study permit in 2022 in Canada. From 2000 until 2021, the number of study permit holders has significantly increased by more than 400%.

At present, there are 2,194,087 students enrolled in universities and colleges across all provinces in Canada in total. Therefore, using this actual figure of students then here are the following percentages and numbers to consider for international students:

10% = 219,408 

15% = 329,113 

20% = 438,818

25% would equal and allow 548,522 international students out of the total existing number of 2,194,087.

Comparing the number of international students between Canada and the USA reveals a trend where Canadian citizens may be overlooked in favour of international students paying higher tuition fees. This raises concerns about our children being left behind in terms of post-secondary education placements within our taxpayer-funded universities and colleges.

In the USA, there are 16.2 million enrollments in universities and colleges, with 1,057,188 international students, constituting 6.5% of the total enrollment.

In Canada, there are 2,194,087 enrollments in universities and colleges, with 807,750 international students. This represents 36.8%, which seems disproportionately high considering our population and the available enrollment spaces for Canadian citizen students. It raises questions about the impact on opportunities for our citizens.

 

Source:

1 Statistics Canada

2  Statista - Enrollment of postsecondary students in Canada by province

3 Education Data - College Enrollment Statistics

4 Inside Higher Ed - International Enrollment