Parents should rethink sending children to Canada right after Class 12: Sukhi Bath

Amid ongoing deportation and immigration issues, Canadian businessman and philanthropist Sukhi Bath today urged parents in Punjab to rethink their approach of sending children to Canada immediately after Class 12, saying that maturity and professional grounding are essential before taking such a major step. He added that the current situation there is distressing for students who have little or no work experience.

Speaking during his visit to Bathinda on Friday, Bath — who hails from Jalandhar district and has been living in Surrey, Canada, for nearly 50 years — said, “It is a misconception among many parents that sending their children to Canada will save them from drugs. Drugs are available there too. Instead, they should first encourage their children to complete at least a two‑year professional diploma here after Class 12. This will help them gain maturity, develop stress‑handling skills, and acquire some work experience and knowledge… Those who are paying hefty fees to extend their work permits should avoid doing so.”

Bath noted that many youngsters sent abroad too early struggle to adjust to the pressures of life in a new country. “The situation there is tough. My own NGO has provided food and shelter to several students and even helped pay their fees. Many go to Canada not just to study but with the dream of becoming permanent residents,” he added.

He said the Canadian government is also struggling with its immigration system, which first encouraged large inflows of people and is now resorting to deportations instead of making proper arrangements. Citing recent demographic data, Bath said, “In 2025, Canada’s population growth remained near zero for the first time because many youngsters are avoiding marriage. This will create a shortage of workers there. I am confident the government will have to change its policies and that the situation will eventually stabilise. I have seen many recessions in my life.”