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THE IMPORTANCE OF IMMIGRANTS TO CANADA

In 2005, Canada admitted over 260,000 new immigrants into the country. This represents an increase of 11% from 2004. On a per capita basis, Canada has the largest influx of immigrants in the world.

Immigrants have always played a crucial role in the development of the country. Ever since the first French settlement in the early 1600s, Canada has been dependant on immigrants for the social, economic, and even political growth of the country. In the early days, when Canada was known as “New France”, the colony depended greatly on immigrants not only to settle and farm the land, but also to help the fur trade. During the late 18th Century many immigrants helped develop the western part of the nation and helped many cities expand (such as Winnipeg). In the late 20th and early 21st Centuries, Canada has depended on immigrants to help fill its need for a new, profession-driven economy.

The “skilled worker” class of immigrants, which are those who have obtained a certain level of education and work experience, has had the highest admissions into the country for at least the past ten years. The role immigrants have had on the Canadian economy has been significant.  In fact, in provinces like Nova Scotia, for example, the labour force would have diminished between 1991-2001 had it not been for immigrants. Between these ten years, the Canadian labour force grew by 1.4 million jobs; immigrants constituted 70% of this growth.

Immigrants also contribute to Canada’s social services. Canadians pride themselves on many of the publicly funded institutions such as healthcare and education which immigrants have helped fund through their taxes. For example, every Canadian has access to health insurance that will allow him or her to consult doctors or use hospital free of charge. Canada’s education system with world-renowned universities and many public and private schools is competitive with that of many western nations.

Immigration is such an important part of the Canadian experience that it has helped form an important Canadian value. Multiculturalism, which is the belief of being open to and accepting of immigrants, is entrenched in Canadian society. Canada views itself as a mosaic, where each piece, with its own customs, traditions, and languages, can help create a greater picture. Immigrants have helped form cities like Toronto and Montreal and given them a very unique flavour. In fact, Toronto is known as one of the world’s most diverse cities. It is hoped that new immigrants will move to all regions of the country and contribute greatly to this nation, as they have in the past.