Canada’s Immigration and Multiculturalism Policy The Ripple Effect on Society

What does immigration and multiculturalism mean to us as individuals and as Canadians?

Mosaic or Melting Pot? Canada has often been referred to as a “Nation of Immigrants” (Irving Abella, 2006) Trudeau envisioned a multicultural society within a bilingual framework – Why? Official Bilingualism ran the risk of alienating the multicultural make-up of Canada American writers argued that people of different backgrounds must have a common sense of purpose and national identity

Immigration Policy Historically, Canada’s immigration policy has been quite racist Canada bars the door to European Jews escaping Nazi persecution “None is Too Many” Until the 1960’s immigration criteria included race and national origin

A National Identity By 1970 it was clear that Canada’s immigration policy did not reflect the make-up of Canada’s population Trudeau envisioned multiculturalism as a “third force” influencing the make-up of Canada Official Multiculturalism was to be part of our “National Identity” There was a hope that ethnic pride could be interlaced with pride in one’s new homeland

New Immigration Policy Immigration Act of 1976 Three Categories of Immigrants: Family Class – close relatives in Canada Refugee Class – coming to Canada to seek protection from persecution/war Skilled Workers Class – skills/capital which will enhance Canada’s economy Points would be awarded based on various criteria

Limits and Exceptions The Immigration Act prohibited the entrance of persons who might be a threat to: Public health Safety & order National Security People could be accepted into Canada for Economic and Humanitarian Reasons Bill C-11: Immigration Act is replaced by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (2002)

Changing Face of Immigration Multiculturalism was intended to: Help minority groups preserve their cultures Help ease the transition into a full participatory member of Canadian society Promote cultural exchanges and understanding in order to advance National Unity Assist in the acquisition of one official language

Immigration Today: Fact or Fiction? “Recent immigrants are not integrating and threaten Canadian values. Their level of education is low, and many cannot speak English or French.” Fiction: The majority actually speak English or French before arriving and about 1.5% of people do not speak English or French (2001 census). On average, they are more educated than the Canadian-born and over 80% become Canadian citizens. “The annual inflow of immigrants is over 200,000 a year.” Fact “Immigration accounts for 60% of total population growth.” “Immigrants take jobs away from "real" Canadians, increasing unemployment and driving down wages.” Fiction: There is no established link between immigration and unemployment. In fact, the economy actually grows during periods of high immigration

Immigration is “bleeding Canada dry” "Immigration and refugee policies in Canada are no longer just a joke. They are life-threatening to Canadians and to the rest of the world." - Diane Francis, Jan 4 '00 - National Post Criticism: screening of immigrants is too lax – people from third world countries with dangerous infectious diseases like TB are being allowed into Canada When the sick immigrants get to Canada, they put pressure on our overstretched health care system and spread disease - ‘real’ Canadians suffer