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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. 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

9. 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

11. 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