#Atlantic Immigration Program

[globalnest]

Canada Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program Settle in Atlantic Canada with Permanent Residency

Introduction

Canada’s Atlantic provinces—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador—offer immense opportunities for skilled workers and international graduates. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) was created to address labour shortages in these regions and help employers hire qualified foreign talent. With a focus on faster processing and community-based settlement, AIPP is a streamlined pathway to Canadian permanent residency.

What Is the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program?

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program is an employer-driven immigration initiative designed to bring skilled workers and international graduates to Atlantic Canada. It offers permanent residency to candidates who have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces.

Originally launched as a pilot, AIPP has evolved into the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) due to its success, continuing to support regional growth and population development.

Program Streams

The Atlantic Immigration Program has three main streams:

Atlantic High-Skilled Program: For professionals with managerial, technical, or skilled work experience

Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program: For applicants in jobs requiring a high school education and/or job-specific training

Atlantic International Graduate Program: For students who have graduated from a recognized institution in Atlantic Canada

Key Eligibility Criteria

While each stream has its own requirements, common eligibility factors include:

A valid full-time job offer from a designated Atlantic employer

At least one year of work experience (not required for graduates)

A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4 or higher in English or French

Proof of educational qualifications

Settlement funds (unless already living and working in Canada)

Completion of a settlement plan through designated organizations

Advantages of the Atlantic Immigration Program

Faster PR processing times (usually within 6 months)

Employer support throughout the process

Opportunity to live and work in peaceful, less crowded regions

Lower cost of living compared to major Canadian cities

Pathway for family immigration

Access to healthcare, education, and social benefits in Canada

How VJC Overseas Can Help

Our expert consultants help you:

Identify the best stream under AIP based on your profile

Secure a job offer from designated employers

Prepare and submit your documentation accurately

Connect with approved settlement service providers

Navigate the PR application process smoothly

Conclusion

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program is an excellent choice for skilled professionals and international graduates who wish to live in Canada’s vibrant eastern provinces. With strong employer backing and simplified procedures, it offers a reliable path to permanent residency. For personalized guidance and end-to-end support, VJC Overseas is your trusted partner on the journey to Atlantic Canada.

[inc-immigrationnewscanada]

New Brunswick Immigration Streams Reopen with Limited Spots, Big Changes

New Brunswick has announced the reopening of its immigration pathways, marking a significant adjustment to its immigration policies after receiving a reduced allocation of only 2,750 nomination spots for 2025 from the federal government. This move, announced by Acting Minister of Post-Secondary Education Jean-Claude D’Amours, aims to strategically prioritize key sectors while navigating the…

[nationwidevisasgermany]

Atlantic Immigration Program | Apply for AIP 2025

An employer-driven program, the Atlantic Immigration Program expedites the immigration of skilled overseas workers to the region. All primary applicants arriving in Canada through the AIPP are required to have an offer of a job from a nominated employer.

[perfectionmigration]

The Easiest Way to Immigrate to Canada and Obtain PR in 2024 | Perfection Migration

Canada offers several immigration pathways to obtain PR. Below are the most accessible and popular routes for individuals looking to move to Canada in 2024:

1. Express Entry Program

The Express Entry Program remains the easiest and most efficient pathway for skilled workers to obtain Canadian PR. This system manages applications for three key immigration programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

How Express Entry Works:

Create an Express Entry Profile: Candidates need to create an online profile that includes details like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): The profile is scored based on the Comprehensive Ranking System, and candidates are ranked in the pool of applicants.

Invitation to Apply (ITA): The highest-scoring candidates receive an Invitation to Apply for PR during regular draws conducted by the Canadian government.

Submit Your PR Application: After receiving the ITA, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete PR application, which typically gets processed within six months.

Why Express Entry is the Easiest:

Fast Processing Times: With an average processing time of six months, it’s one of the quickest ways to obtain PR in Canada.

No Job Offer Required: While having a job offer can boost your CRS score, it is not mandatory for Express Entry, making it accessible to individuals without employment in Canada.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to settle in a particular province. Many PNPs are aligned with the Express Entry system, providing a faster route to PR.

How PNP Works:

Express Entry-Linked PNP: Many provinces have Express Entry-linked streams, allowing candidates to enter the provincial pool and get a nomination, which adds 600 points to their CRS score.

Direct PNP Application: Applicants can also apply directly to a province’s PNP if they have skills that are in demand in that region.

Why PNP is the Easiest:

Provincial Opportunities: If your CRS score is too low for Express Entry, a PNP nomination can boost your chances significantly.

Flexibility: Each province has its own criteria, and some PNPs don’t require a job offer, making it accessible for those seeking specific provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, or Saskatchewan.

3. The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is another pathway that has gained popularity, particularly for those looking to work in Canada’s Atlantic provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick).

How AIP Works:

Job Offer Requirement: To qualify, you must have a job offer from an employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.

PR Application: After securing a job offer, you can apply for PR through the AIP, which has a streamlined process and is designed to address labor shortages in the Atlantic region.

Why AIP is the Easiest:

Employer-Driven Program: The AIP is an employer-driven program, meaning you can apply with a job offer even if you have fewer CRS points.

Quick Processing: The AIP process is fast, with many applications processed within six months.

4. Family Sponsorship

The Family Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents to sponsor their relatives to immigrate to Canada. This is a straightforward process for those who have family members already living in Canada.

How Family Sponsorship Works:

Eligibility: You must have a close family member (spouse, common-law partner, dependent children, parents, or grandparents) who is willing to sponsor you.

Application: Your sponsor must submit a sponsorship application, and you must submit an application for PR at the same time.

Why Family Sponsorship is the Easiest:

No Points System: Unlike Express Entry, there’s no points system, and as long as your sponsor meets the financial and eligibility requirements, the process is relatively straightforward.

5. Canada Start-Up Visa Program

The Canada Start-Up Visa Program is designed for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Canada. This program grants PR to eligible applicants who have the support of a designated organization (venture capital, angel investor group, or business incubator).

 How Start-Up Visa Works:

Secure Funding: Applicants must secure a commitment of at least CAD 200,000 from a designated venture capital fund or CAD 75,000 from an angel investor group.

PR Application: Once funding is secured, you can apply for PR, and the application is processed relatively quickly.

Why the Start-Up Visa is the Easiest:

No CRS Score: This program does not rely on the CRS score, making it ideal for entrepreneurs who may not qualify through other programs.

Direct Pathway: Successful applicants are granted PR directly, without needing temporary permits or visas.

Tips for a Successful Immigration Process

Start Early: The sooner you begin gathering your documents and understanding the requirements, the better prepared you’ll be when it’s time to apply.

Improve Your CRS Score: For Express Entry, consider improving your CRS score by enhancing your language skills, gaining additional work experience, or obtaining a job offer in Canada.

Seek Professional Guidance: Immigration processes can be complex. Hiring an immigration consultant can help you navigate the application process, avoid mistakes, and increase your chances of success.

Check Malta Process Here: How to Get a PR in Malta for Indians?

How Perfection Migration Can Assist You

At Perfection Migration, we specialize in helping individuals and families achieve their dreams of immigrating to Canada.��Whether you’re applying through Express Entry, a PNP, or another pathway, our experienced consultants offer personalized guidance every step of the way. We assist with:

Eligibility Assessments: We evaluate your profile to determine the best immigration route for you.

Document Preparation: We ensure all your documents are in order and meet Canadian immigration standards.

Application Submission: We handle the submission process, making sure everything is done correctly and on time.

Ongoing Support: From initial consultations to post-arrival services, we provide support throughout your immigration journey.

Ready to make your move to Canada? Contact us today to start your journey towards Canadian Permanent Residency in 2024.

Read Also: Why Choosing Canada Immigration Consultants in Dubai

[novel-canada-immigration]

Family Sponsorship Canada Immigration

Novel Canada Immigration specializes in facilitating Family Sponsorship Canada Immigration. With a focus on reuniting families, they offer comprehensive services to Canadian citizens and permanent residents seeking to sponsor their loved ones for immigration. Their expertise encompasses navigating the complex legal framework, ensuring seamless processing of applications for spouses, partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. From initial consultations to documentation assistance and liaising with immigration authorities, Novel Canada Immigration prioritizes efficiency and compassion throughout the process. With their guidance, families can navigate the immigration system confidently, fostering reunions and strengthening bonds in the welcoming embrace of Canada.

[abhishekdigi-blog]

Apply for a Canada PR Visa as an Engineer

Canada is an attractive destination for engineers due to its strong economy, diverse job market, and high quality of life. Whether you specialize in civil, software, mechanical, or electrical engineering, opportunities abound for skilled professionals.

To apply for a Canada PR visa, you must meet several requirements:

Education: A recognized engineering degree, verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

Work Experience: At least one year of relevant full-time experience in your field.

Language Proficiency: A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in an approved English or French language test is required.

Immigration Pathways

There are multiple pathways for engineers to obtain permanent residency in Canada:

Express Entry System: This is a popular option for skilled workers. You can apply through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), where candidates are ranked based on factors like age, education, experience, and language skills using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). High-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some provinces, like Ontario and British Columbia, actively seek engineers to meet local labor market demands. If nominated, you get extra CRS points, increasing your chances of receiving an ITA.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Engineers with job offers from employers in Atlantic provinces like Nova Scotia or Newfoundland can apply for PR through this program.

Benefits of Moving to Canada as an Engineer

Canada offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a high standard of living. By obtaining a Canada PR visa, you can enjoy healthcare, education, and social benefits, as well as the opportunity to eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.

[sameersaga]

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) is an initiative designed to attract skilled workers and international graduates to Canada's Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. This program helps employers in these regions fill labor gaps by recruiting foreign talent for permanent residency. The AIPP emphasizes fast-tracked immigration processes and offers support for newcomers to settle and integrate into the local communities. To be eligible, candidates must have a job offer from a designated employer and meet specific educational and language requirements. The program aims to boost economic growth and address demographic challenges in Atlantic Canada.

[credasmigrations]

How to Apply for Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program?

Discover the ins and outs of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program with this detailed guide. From eligibility criteria to the application process, learn how to secure a job offer, obtain endorsement, and submit your application.

[ingressimmigrations]

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program: Your Gateway to Canadian Permanent Residency

Are you dreaming of starting a new life in Canada? The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) could be your ticket to making that dream come true. In this article, we will explore what the AIPP is, how it functions, and the numerous benefits it offers to individuals looking to establish themselves in Canada.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program?

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program is a government initiative designed to address labor market shortages in Canada's Atlantic provinces, which include New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. These provinces are celebrated for their stunning landscapes, diverse communities, and a growing number of job opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

Before you embark on your AIPP journey, it's crucial to understand the eligibility criteria. To qualify for the program, you must secure a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating provinces. This job offer should be full-time, non-seasonal, and last for at least one year. Proficiency in either English or French is also a requirement.

Participating Provinces

Each of the four Atlantic provinces has its unique charm and opportunities:

New Brunswick: Known for its cultural diversity and a thriving job market.

Prince Edward Island: Offers breathtaking landscapes and welcoming communities.

Nova Scotia: Rich in history and culture, it's a hub of economic activity.

Newfoundland and Labrador: Boasts magnificent natural beauty and various employment prospects.

Application Process

The AIPP application process is designed to be straightforward. It begins with obtaining a job offer from a designated employer. Once you have the job offer, your employer will collaborate with you to submit a settlement plan and a copy of the job offer to the provincial government for endorsement. Once endorsed, you can apply for a work permit and, eventually, for permanent residency.

Benefits of the Program

The AIPP offers several advantages that make it an appealing choice for immigrants:

Fast Processing Times: AIPP applicants benefit from quicker processing times for work permits and permanent residency applications.

Lower Language Proficiency Requirements: The program has lower language proficiency requirements compared to other immigration pathways.

Secure a Job Offer First: You have the opportunity to secure a job offer before arriving in Canada, providing a sense of security.

Family Inclusion: The AIPP allows family members to accompany the main applicant, ensuring a smooth transition to Canadian life.

How to Secure a Job Offer

Securing a job offer is a pivotal step in the AIPP process. To increase your chances, consider networking, utilizing job search platforms, attending job fairs, and collaborating with settlement service providers. These resources can help you connect with potential employers and find the right job opportunity.

Settlement Services

The AIPP offers settlement services to assist newcomers in their transition. These services typically include language training and orientation programs, which are invaluable in helping immigrants integrate into Canadian society and succeed in their new communities.

Community Endorsement

One unique feature of the AIPP is the requirement for community endorsement. Applicants need to receive a letter of endorsement from the community they plan to settle in. This endorsement not only underscores your commitment to your future community but also strengthens your connection with it.

Processing Times

One of the most attractive aspects of the AIPP is its fast processing times. Applicants can expect quicker processing of work permits and permanent residency applications, allowing them to start their Canadian journey sooner.

Transition to Permanent Residency

After working in Atlantic Canada for at least one year, AIPP participants can apply for permanent residency. This offers them the stability and security they need to build their lives in Canada, making the program a gateway to a promising future.

Success Stories

Throughout the program's existence, many individuals and families have experienced life-changing opportunities through the AIPP. These success stories demonstrate how the program has transformed lives and contributed to the prosperity of Atlantic Canada.

Challenges Faced

While the AIPP offers remarkable benefits, it's essential to be aware of potential challenges. Immigrants may encounter issues related to cultural adaptation, weather, or geographic isolation. However, with determination and support from local communities, these challenges can be overcome.

Conclusion

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program is a life-changing opportunity for individuals and families seeking a new home in Canada. With its streamlined process, community endorsement, and numerous benefits, it opens doors to a brighter future in one of the most welcoming and vibrant regions of Canada.

FAQs

1. What is the primary goal of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program? The AIPP aims to address labor market shortages in Canada's Atlantic provinces and stimulate their economies.

2. How can I secure a job offer through the AIPP? To secure a job offer, you need to network, utilize job search platforms, attend job fairs, and work with settlement service providers to connect with potential employers.

3. What are the eligibility requirements for the AIPP? Applicants must secure a valid job offer in a designated skill level, demonstrate proficiency in English or French, and meet other criteria outlined by the program.

4. Why is community endorsement important in the AIPP? Community endorsement highlights an applicant's commitment to their future community and fosters a stronger connection with it.

5. How long does it take to transition from a work permit to permanent residency under the AIPP? After working in Atlantic Canada for at least one year, AIPP participants can apply for permanent residency, providing them with stability and security in Canada.

[talentconnected01]

A Comprehensive Guide to the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program Application Form

Canada has always been known for its welcoming approach towards immigrants, and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) stands as a shining example of this commitment. If you are considering making the beautiful Atlantic provinces of Canada your new home and pursuing Canada PR, you'll need to navigate the AIPP application process, which starts with the all-important application form. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the key aspects of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program application form, helping you understand how to complete it accurately and increase your chances of success.

Understanding the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program Application Form

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program application form is a critical component of your immigration journey to Canada's Atlantic provinces. It's essential to approach it with care and precision. Here's a breakdown of the key elements you need to understand:

1. Document Checklist:

Before you begin filling out the application form, review the AIPP document checklist. This list outlines all the documents you'll need to submit alongside your application. Ensure you have all the required documents ready to avoid any delays.

2. Eligibility Assessment:

The AIPP application form typically begins with an eligibility assessment section. This part of the form helps you determine if you meet the basic criteria for the program. It usually includes questions about your job offer, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Be honest and accurate in your responses, as they will determine your eligibility.

3. Personal Information:

The next section typically focuses on your personal information, including your name, date of birth, contact details, and family information. Double-check this information for accuracy, as any errors could lead to processing delays.

4. Language Proficiency:

You will likely need to provide details about your language proficiency in English and/or French. Be prepared to submit language test results such as IELTS or TEF scores to support your claims. Ensure you have taken the required language tests and have the results on hand.

5. Education and Work Experience:

The AIPP form will ask for information about your education and work experience. This section may include details about your highest level of education, your field of study, and your work history. You may need to provide educational transcripts, diplomas, and reference letters to substantiate your claims.

6. Job Offer Details:

As the AIPP requires a valid job offer from an employer in one of the Atlantic provinces, you'll need to provide comprehensive details about your job offer. This includes information about your employer, the position offered, and the location of the job. You'll also need to submit a copy of your job offer letter.

7. Provincial Endorsement:

Your employer will need to endorse your job offer through the respective provincial immigration office. The AIPP application form may ask for details related to this endorsement, such as the endorsement number and date.

8. Additional Documents:

The application form may have sections where you can upload additional documents to support your application. This is an opportunity to provide any supplementary information that may strengthen your case.

9. Declarations and Consent:

Before submitting your application, you will be asked to declare that all the information you have provided is accurate and complete. You may also need to provide consent for background checks and verifications.

Conclusion

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program offers a fantastic opportunity to start a new chapter of your life in Canada's scenic Atlantic provinces. Understanding and accurately completing the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program application form is a crucial step in this process. Remember that attention to detail and honesty are key when completing the form, as any discrepancies or inaccuracies can lead to delays or even rejection. If you're unsure about any part of the application process, consider seeking guidance from immigration professionals or contacting the official AIPP authorities for clarification. With dedication and precision, you can set yourself on the path to a brighter future in the welcoming communities of the Atlantic provinces.

[darkmaga-returns]

STRIKE WHILE THE IRON IS HOT: 7 Critical Immigration Proposals for the Trump Administration

“Strike while the iron is hot.”

It’s an old proverb from the craft of metallurgy that means take advantage of an opportunity as soon as possible.

Donald Trump triumphed in the 2024 election, winning both the popular vote and electoral vote.

When Trump takes office on January 20, he needs to radically reform immigration policy immediately.

In fact, he and his team need to be working those plans out right now.

Here are seven recommendations.

1. SECURE THE BORDER

This is not rocket science. The goal is to secure the border to prevent illegal crossings.

By border, I mean the U.S.-Mexico border, the U.S.-Canada border, and the Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Use the Border Patrol, the Coast Guard, the National Guard, the regular Army and whoever else is needed.

It is totally doable. It’s a question of will. Trump can use his executive power to get it done.

2. ELIMINATE SKETCHY TRICKS THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION IS USING TO BRING PEOPLE IN

The Biden administration has a bag of tricks being used to flood the zone with aliens. These people aren’t even counted in the tallies of “border encounters.”

They’re using loopholes such as “parole,” the CBP One app, flying aliens into the U.S., and special programs for specific countries. Scrap all of these schemes.

3. DEPORT, DEPORT, DEPORT

Trump has promised “mass deportation.” Get on with it.

Remember, every illegal alien on U.S. soil, regardless of how long he’s been here, is liable for removal. Let’s quit making excuses and start deporting.

It’s not necessary for every illegal alien to be deported in order for deportation to be successful.

Illegal aliens are rational actors. They came here voluntarily because they thought they would benefit.

So if they see the government is serious about deporting illegals, many will self-deport. That way they can take their possessions with them.

They didn’t all arrive on the same day, they don’t have to all leave the same day. But they need to leave.

[inc-immigrationnewscanada]

🇨🇦 Job offers remain crucial for Canadian permanent residency in 2025, opening doors through PNPs, CEC, and new immigration pilots despite Express Entry changes. 🇨🇦 Discover how job offers can fast-track your PR journey and get practical tips to succeed in Canada’s 2025 immigration system 👇

[nationwidevisasgermany]

Atlantic Immigration Program | Apply for AIP 2025

An employer-driven program, the Atlantic Immigration Program expedites the immigration of skilled overseas workers to the region. All primary applicants arriving in Canada through the AIPP are required to have an offer of a job from a nominated employer. They are also required to possess a Plan of Settlement for themselves and the members of the family.

[perfectionmigration]

Discover the easiest and most efficient ways to immigrate to Canada and obtain Permanent Residency in 2024. Learn about the Express Entry, PNP, AIP, Family Sponsorship, and Start-Up Visa programs. Start your journey with Perfection Migration today!

At Perfection Migration, we specialize in helping individuals and families achieve their dreams of immigrating to Canada. Whether you're applying through Express Entry, a PNP, or another pathway, our experienced consultants offer personalized guidance every step of the way.

[novel-canada-immigration]

Canada Investor Visa

Unlock your pathway to Canadian residency with the Canada Investor Visa, offered by Novel Canada Immigration. This exclusive opportunity caters to individuals seeking prosperous investments and a secure future in Canada. As the gateway to unparalleled economic growth and stability, this visa program welcomes investors with open arms, offering streamlined processes and expert guidance throughout. Elevate your lifestyle with access to world-class healthcare, education, and diverse cultural experiences. Secure your family's future in a country renowned for its commitment to prosperity and inclusivity. Trust Novel Canada Immigration to navigate the complexities, ensuring a seamless transition to your new life in Canada.

[solarpunkpresentspodcast]

Hope for the present, not the future

Reading the previous post on this blog by Christina, I can’t help but feel… a lot of déja vu, actually. I don’t mean to be blasé at all, because everything that Christina alludes to and talks about in that article is concretely, depressingly relatable. From this side of the Atlantic, I’ve been grimly avoiding looking too deeply into what “Project 2025” entails, because honestly? If it happens, it will happen and I won’t be able to do anything even if I know every up-to-date detail about it, so why borrow the trouble? I have enough in my own life (and country’s politics) already, but being geographically situated next to America is really uncomfortable, in that their problems are almost simultaneously ours, and if they’re not, the entangled political-economic-sociocultural mess makes it that way. And yet my reaction to news of upheaval, disruption, and impending doom is to say “okay” and then go back to my little solarpunk ways of living and being. Given all of the strife that bombards my consciousness on a daily basis, why am I still writing hopelessly naïve articles about compassion and optimism et cetera on the internet? It’s a serious question, not really a rhetorical one. I wrote this article to see if I could come up with an answer; I think I recognized a few different factors, but I’m curious to know what you think after reading through the article. Let me know in the comments.

My father is quite sure that Trump is going to annex Canada,* given our reservoirs of freshwater, and the fact that history is rhyming pretty hard right now in his view as the child of immigrants who left their home after the ravages of World War 2. That one started with Germany annexing Austria, and look how that went. He’s not alone in that opinion, either. However, and perhaps this is the anti-anxiety medication and antidepressants speaking, wars have happened before, a lot, and are happening now, a lot, and people living and dying violently happens pretty much every day; it might just be our turn next. Sucks to suck, but that just seems to be the way of the world, and living on this planet means running the risk of The Bad Thing Happening. Hm, maybe it’s post-car-accident trauma or whatever, but random happenings (not even malice aforethought!) ruins peoples’ lives every day and that’s the way of the world.

Maybe I’m more positive because my family (both sides; my Oma and Opa lived through the war as well before coming to Canada) lived through an apocalypse** that was a political violent upheaval and war in Europe; they were poor farmers already, they had nothing when the politicians decided that the war had ended, and they still managed to make a pretty good life for themselves and their families in the aftermath. So I’ve seen that people can live through these things, and their lives do get better. Eventually. You have to scrimp and save and deal with racist bullshit and work menial jobs for a good long while, but I am programmed to believe that you make it there in the end, because I am living proof of it. So I might be biased, and too focused on that end result.

Or it might be because I recently spent six years studying post-apocalyptic fiction and have read through a myriad of imagined ends … as well as the imagined worlds that come after those ends. Grant you, a lot of those worlds are pretty terrible places to exist! But they do exist. And there are people (the protagonists that we follow) who are working to make it a better place. Kind of like solarpunks are now, actually. To tl;dr the takeaway of the fourth chapter of my dissertation in a very blasé way, horrible death is already a foregone conclusion in the post-disaster/-apocalypse scenarios, so the best thing to do is to make life as good as possible for the people around you for as long as you can to the best of your abilities until you expire.

Looking at the news, it’s easy to conclude that the world is full of doom and gloom and awfulness. Just following the reports coming out of Gaza and the Congo alone makes it pretty hard to imagine humanity acting worse than we already are. But it’s not actually all of humanity committing war crimes and exploiting children and adults with literal slave labour. There happens to be a lot of people who think that behaviour is abhorrent, and are organizing against the inhumane treatment of others (including earth others); there are, in fact, many communities of caring individuals who will stand up for human rights. I don’t think it’s incendiary to say “Hm, maybe you shouldn’t hurt someone else even if they’ve hurt you.” I feel like this is something we try to teach our children and bake into our narratives of who is actually heroic and who isn’t.

The people in charge might be okay with the cost of their political agenda being human suffering, but it helps to keep in mind that, in many cases, they’re a pretty small percentage of a pretty large amount of people. It’s true that in a lot of the so-called democracies we have in the Global North right now, there is a lot of support for terrible people with terrible ideas - but it is also good to keep in mind that the political systems we operate in are, each of them, abysmal. As the saying goes, “democracy is the worst political system, aside from all the other ones.” Jokes aside, reading about the stats of First Past The Post elections, voter suppression, and more can be at the same time disheartening as it is encouraging: there are good people in the world, but a lot of their votes do not count for much … if they can vote at all.

Despite that, I think it is important to participate in one’s political system, no matter where they are located. Especially at the municipal level - that is where I find that some of the most progressive, exciting work is being done. In my opinion, if you aren’t especially thrilled about government, it’s not really very smart to disengage from it, because involved or not, you’ll still fall victim to those who manipulate the political system and you will not know how to fight back. Sun-Tzu says to “know thy enemy” and I’m not suggesting you embark on an entire political science degree, but if you have the capacity for it, participating in direct democracy, attending council meetings, volunteering with a local union or political organization will give you the skills you need to understand and become familiar with the policies affecting your life … and also give you the tools with which to change things. This piece (article and full poem “To Throw a Wrench in the Blood Machine”) by Kyle Tran Myhre discusses voting as just one tool in a toolkit in more detail, in a very nuanced although US-politics centric way, and the line “But those who fight monsters have taught me: short-term and long-term thinking are not mutually exclusive” is very relatable. Solarpunk is about both-and, not either/or.

People survive dark and dangerous times by organizing, by reaching out to each other, by enacting practices of care. Maybe caring for you takes the form of making a poster for your local tenants’ union and NOT going to the rally. Maybe it’s watering the little tree next to your bus stop in a heat wave. Maybe it’s organizing a neighbourhood potluck, or just showing up to the one that someone else organized, signalling solidarity with your presence. I have found that being a body that is present is often such a boon to an organizer, regardless of whether or not your participation goes beyond that.

This essay is rather wander-y and I hope not too Pollyannaish. But I’ve had the sinking feeling that life was only ever going to get worse since I was 23; that’s over a decade that I’ve had to get used to this expectation of future ruin psychically, so perhaps that’s coming out. I don’t really expect things to get better, and I don’t know that I ever have. The only thing that really interrupted my internal narrative of cynicism and doomerism was solarpunk! And I still have to dose myself up with it, deliberately choose to reframe my mindset, whenever I start to spiral. Because I do, a lot, when I think about futures. There’s a reason I’m medicated - there’s nothing off with my brain chemistry, though; instead, everything’s off with the world. I marvel that more people are not clinically depressed or diagnosed with anxiety given the state of things.

As far as I can tell, my hope is thus a very present one: it is sparked by other humans who get together in groups to make life better for other people right now. Life can be terrible, miserable, and dark. The universe can seem vast and uncaring. But somewhere there’s a soup kitchen, and a coalition of people writing their government officials for more affordable housing supports, and they’re caring in this moment about the things that are also happening in this moment and the people who live around them now, and they are not deciding not to act because of a calculation based on a possible future outcome (although certainly that is part of their assessment of the situation, it is not the deciding factor). So I might not be part of those groups, but just knowing that they exist and are working towards justice but also being just now and kind now and acting with compassion now… maybe sometimes that’s what I need to hold on to in order to keep the dark at bay.

I want to write one more paragraph that talks about why then, for me, solarpunk is more oriented towards the now, not to the future. I think I needed to start with a solarpunk that dreamed of possible futures so that I could actually begin to see how I could work in the now, and solarpunk futurism gives me a goal. But personally, solarpunk presents is where it’s at.

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*I find it darkly funny that our next prime minister is almost guaranteed to be the alt-right-courting Conservative politician Pierre Poilievre, who has on many occasions criticized our current PM for weakening / destroying / doing bad things to our relationship with America (economic/political/etc). If Trump gets in, Polievre will have to deal with him first hand - and he will either welcome foreign troops with open arms (as many Canadians wish they were Americans, oddly enough) or bumble his way into being bravely run over by tanks.

**I remember interviewing my Beppe in grade three about her childhood experience of WWII and she talked about evacuating down roads where there were dead and bloated cows and human bodies (mostly soldiers) torn apart on the side of the road. Before the end of the war they were eating tulip bulbs and potato peelings in the basement of their home while Nazi troops occupied the main floor. Very apocalyptic. I figured everyone’s grandparents had stories like this, though, and by the time I was fourteen I was so sick of hearing about World War Two, because our history curriculum seemed kind of obsessed. I got it at home AND at school. Ugh, apocalypse, whatever, let me get back to reading my Animorphs plz.