1. How well do Canada’s immigration laws and policies respond to immigration issues?

2. Introduction What languages do you speak or hear at home, at school, or in your community? Here in Alberta, the top 5 languages spoken are: English: 2 811 205 Chinese languages: 76 720 French: 52 895 German: 40 445 Punjabi: 23 860

3. Remember that in Toronto along there are over 100 languages spoken including Mandarin and Arabic. Even Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts in Punjabi! The fact that there are so many languages spoken is a result of Canada's immigration policy, which has an impact on the rights of Canadians.

4. Rights are an important part of Canada’s culture in that they ensure that Canadians have political, economic, health, and security opportunities. Remember that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the individual and collective rights which are guaranteed to every person living in Canada, whether they are a citizen or not.

5. However, originally the Charter did not protect immigrants and refugees. As we have discovered, there have been Charter challenges. The challenges have resulted in a change of laws in Canada. The Singh decision in 1985 was one such Charter challenge. As a result of this decision, April 4 is now recognized as Refugee Rights Day in Canada.

6. Turn to page 181 and read about the Singh decision. Complete the assignment Singh Decision: Views and Perspectives.

7. Immigration and the Aboriginal community

8. The Aboriginal peoples of Canada have a long history in Canada. We have learned about their collective identity and collective rights, the treaties surrounding their history, and the Indian Act. Think back; many treaties were signed so that the Canadian government could secure land for the future settlement of immigrants. As a result of many of these treaties, millions of people from around the world have made Canada their home over the past 100 years.

9. As Canada continues to evolve and grow, more people will choose to settle in Canada and begin a new life. THINK: Has immigration had an impact on the Aboriginal collective identity? Complete the assignment, Immigration and Aboriginals.