Immigration:  Up until the 1960s, Canada had a racist immigration policy:  Immigrants of British and northern European origin were preferred.  It was thought that they would adapt most easily to life in Canada.  Although immigrants did arrive from other places, the government tried to limit their numbers.

What happened during the 1960s?  Canadians became more open towards people of other cultures and countries:  Results:  1962: Most limits on immigrants from Asia, Africa, and other origins were removed.  1967: Legislation (law) made Canada’s immigration policy officially “colour blind”.

Colour Blind Immigration Policy:  Instead of being based on race and origin, acceptance of immigrants is now based on the following:  Point system based on  Education  Employment prospects

Pierre Trudeau took another step in 1971:  He introduced the official policy of multiculturalism  Purpose: To encourage Canadians to celebrate and share their cultures and values with other Canadians.  To create a richer culture for all Canadians.  To turn Canada into a cultural mosaic instead of a melting pot.  To prevent racism by promoting respect for other cultures

Ethnicity Combined responses As single response One of multiple responses per respondent Canadian11,682,6806,748,1354,934,545 English5,978,8751,479,5254,499,355 French4,668,4101,060,7603,607,655 Scottish4,157,210607,2353,549,975 Irish3,822,660496,8653,325,795 German2,742,765705,6002,037,170 Italian1,270,370726,275544,090 Chinese1,094,700936,210158,490 Ukrainian1,071,060326,195744,860 North American Indian 1,000,890455,805545,085 Dutch (Netherlands)923,310316,220607,090 Polish817,085260,415556,665 East Indian713,330581,665131,665