Ambassador Yamanouchi Meets with JRAC Members in Toronto to Discuss Permanent Residency Issues in the Japanese Restaurant Industry
On May 2, Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi of Japan to Canada visited Toronto from Ottawa and held a roundtable discussion with members of the Japanese Restaurant Association of Canada (JRAC) at Zen Japanese Restaurant. The meeting focused on the challenges faced by Japanese chefs and restaurant staff in obtaining permanent residency, as well as the importance of preserving Japanese culinary culture in Canada.
Participants explained the growing difficulties in securing permanent residency and expressed concern over a potential shortage of Japanese chefs in the future. They emphasized the importance of attracting and retaining skilled talent to ensure the continuation and development of Japanese food culture, and suggested that the government should consider easing permanent residency requirements.
Ambassador Yamanouchi reflected on Canada’s immigration policy, noting that while the country has historically promoted large-scale immigration, recent visa and policy requirements have become more restrictive. He stressed that advocacy should not be framed as a mere “request,” but rather as a demonstration that Japanese chefs are valuable to Canada and its provinces. He highlighted the importance of presenting data and evidence-based arguments to persuade the Canadian government that these skilled professionals are essential to the country’s cultural and economic needs.
Continue
https://torja.ca/jrac-taidan