1.

Few topics currently facing Canadians have

received as much debate within the media and
among politicians in the past year as that of the
brain drain. For those not familiar with this term,
brain drain refers to the growing number of
highly skilled Canadians, in fields ranging from
health and sciences to engineering and
information technology, emigrating to the US.
Many people feel that our best college and
university graduates are leaving Canada to take
jobs south of the border, citing higher salaries, lower taxes and more opportunity as the
reasons for this exodus.

2. Brain drain threatens and hurts Canadian economic prospects and competitiveness. First,
the size of the labour force is diminished. Second, it is agreed by most that it is the top
Canadians being lured to the U.S. for these greater opportunities. Therefore, we see that the
brain drain often results in missed opportunities, reduced growth, lower employment and
reduced overall tax revenue.

3. The movement of Canadians to the US and Americans to Canada is not a recent

phenomenon. It dates back to 195Os when it was just a one-way - Canada to the US - and this
movement earned the label 'brain drain' since it consisted largely of highly skilled
Canadians moving to the US.

4. Those skilled Canadians who have left the country typically cite a combination of lower
taxes, higher pay and more opportunity as the reasons for their departure. There is no doubt
that more and better opportunity in the US is one of the attractions to moving there.
Opportunity means different things to researchers, workers and entrepreneurs.

5. The fault for the brain drain problem lies not only upon the government but also upon
the private sector. The government and the private sector should be working together to
ensure they are making adequate investment here in Canada in terms of research and
development and creating an environment with attractive opportunities for our graduates
and researchers.

6. Albeit small in numbers, the problem of

brain drain does exist and that it should in
fact be addressed by policymakers and the
private sector. If ignored and the US
economy continues to thrive, thereby fueling
the brain drain, it is highly possible that we
will see Canada's position deteriorate in
regards to its global competitiveness and the
standard of living of its citizens.
A/-Read the text and say which paragraph these statements summarize.
1. The Reasons behind the Brain Drain
Paragraph: .....................................................................
2. Some Possible Solutions to the Brain Drain Problem
Paragraph: .....................................................................
3. Why Should We Be Concerned With Brain Drain?
Paragraph: .....................................................................
Paragraph: .....................................................................
B/- ARE THE STATEMENTS TRUE OR FALSE? JUSTIFY.

1. Brain drain is a problem facing just third world countries.

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2. Computer engineers are also brain drainers in Canada.

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3. Only the government which is responsible of brain drain.

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C/- ANSWER THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS.

1. What is an effect of brain drain?
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2. Why was the phenomenon called brain drain?

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3. What will happen to Canada if brain drain is not solved?

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E/- WHAT DO THE UNDERLINED WORDS REFER TO IN THE TEXT.

1. It ( para. 3): ............................................................................................
2. There ( para. 4): ............................................................................................
3. They (para. 5):.................................................................................

F/- FIND IN THE TEXT WORDS OR PHRASES THAT ARE CLOSEST IN MEANING TO.
1. Human capital flight (para. 1):..............................................................
2. Attracted (para. 2):..............................................................................................
3. Although (para. 6):.............................................................................................