Immigration to Canada#Contemporary immigration, 1970s–present

{{main|Canada immigration statistics}}

Canada receives its immigrant population from almost 200 countries. Statistics Canada projects that immigrants will represent between 29.1% and 34.0% of Canada's population in 2041, compared with 23.0% in 2021,{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2022-10-26 |title=Immigrants make up the largest share of the population in over 150 years and continue to shape who we are as Canadians |url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/221026/dq221026a-eng.htm |access-date=2022-11-06 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca |archive-date=2022-11-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104052518/https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/221026/dq221026a-eng.htm |url-status=live }} while the Canadian population with at least one foreign born parent (first and second generation persons) could rise to between 49.8% and 54.3%, up from 44.0% in 2021.{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2022-10-26 |title=Visible minority and population group by generation status: Canada, provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations with parts |url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=9810032401 |access-date=2022-11-06 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca |archive-date=2009-02-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204144216/http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/data/topics/RetrieveProductTable.cfm?ALEVEL=3&APATH=3&CATNO=97-562-XCB2006007&DETAIL=0&DIM=&DS=99&FL=0&FREE=0&GAL=&GC=99&GK=NA&GRP=0&IPS=97-562-XCB2006007&METH=0&ORDER=&PID=92334&PTYPE=88971&RL=0&S=1&ShowAll=&StartRow=&SUB=&Temporal=2006&Theme=80&VID=&VNAMEE=&VNAMEF= |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2022-09-08 |title=Canada in 2041: A larger, more diverse population with greater differences between regions |url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220908/dq220908a-eng.htm |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca |archive-date=2022-11-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104072918/https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220908/dq220908a-eng.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2022-09-08 |title=Projected population by racialized group, generation status and other selected characteristics (x 1,000) |url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1710014601 |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca |archive-date=2022-11-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104073013/https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1710014601 |url-status=live }} The number of visible minorities will double and make up the majority of the population of cities in Canada.{{cite web|title=Parties prepare to battle for Immigrant votes|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/parties-prepare-to-battle-for-immigrant-votes-1.492090|date=14 March 2010|website=CTV News|publisher=Bell Media|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316052329/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100314/Minority_Report_100314/20100314?hub=Canada|archive-date=2010-03-16|access-date=2010-03-15}}

{{main|Economic impact of immigration to Canada}}

{{Synthesis|section|date=May 2023}}

Economic impact of Immigration on Canada is a divisive topic.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} Two main narratives exist on this matter,{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} one is based on an educated prediction that higher immigration rates increases the size of the economy (GDP) for government spending,{{Cite news |title=Canada wants to attract more immigrants |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2021/04/24/canada-wants-to-attract-more-immigrants |access-date=2023-03-02 |issn=0013-0613 |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302110906/https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2021/04/24/canada-wants-to-attract-more-immigrants |url-status=live }} and the other is based on studies that it decreases living standards (GDP per capita) for the resident population.{{Cite web |last1=Drummond |first1=Don |last2=Fong |first2=Francis |year=2010 |title=An economics perspective on Canadian immigration |url=https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/immigration-jobs-and-canadas-future/an-economics-perspective-on-canadian-immigration/ |access-date= |website=Policy Options |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302110907/https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/immigration-jobs-and-canadas-future/an-economics-perspective-on-canadian-immigration/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=The Economics of Increasing Immigration During an Economic Crisis |url=https://worthwhile.typepad.com/worthwhile_canadian_initi/2021/02/the-economics-of-increasing-immigration-during-an-economic-crisis.html |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=Worthwhile Canadian Initiative |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302110907/https://worthwhile.typepad.com/worthwhile_canadian_initi/2021/02/the-economics-of-increasing-immigration-during-an-economic-crisis.html |url-status=live }} According to a 2011 report by The Fraser Institute, immigrants to Canada cost the federal government up to $23 billion annually and was found to be a large fiscal burden on Canadian taxpayers.{{Cite web |last=Carlson |first=Kathryn Blaze |date=2011-05-17 |title=Immigrants cost $23B a year: Fraser Institute report |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/immigrants-cost-23b-a-year-fraser-institute-report |access-date= |website=nationalpost |language=en-CA |archive-date=2024-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224105957/https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/immigrants-cost-23b-a-year-fraser-institute-report |url-status=live }} Many sources consider the reason for Canada's mass immigration is because of “dependency ratio,” in Canada this ratio in total is rising hence the government wants mass immigration to increase the taxpayer base for Canada to be a total welfare state.{{Cite web |last=Hopper |first=Tristin |date=2023-01-06 |title=Is an 'opaque' U.S. consultancy behind Canada's dramatic spike in immigration? |url=https://nationalpost.com/opinion/u-s-consultancy-behind-canadas-immigration |access-date= |website=National Post |language=en-CA |archive-date=2024-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224105835/https://nationalpost.com/opinion/u-s-consultancy-behind-canadas-immigration |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Why 100M |url=https://www.centuryinitiative.ca/why-100m |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=www.centuryinitiative.ca |archive-date=2023-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225073710/https://www.centuryinitiative.ca/why-100m |url-status=live }} Many consider this as a low-wage-low-productivity model of immigration that does not focus on creating wealth, and as a failed approach due to not having systems and settings in place for smoothly transitioning new immigrants into jobs in skill shortage sectors that they were invited to fill, and that can empower them for being highly productive and contributing citizens, and top rate tax payers.{{Cite web |title=Rhetoric vs. Results: Shaping Policy to Benefit Canada's Middle Class |url=https://ppforum.ca/publications/don-wright-middle-class/ |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=Public Policy Forum |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302110906/https://ppforum.ca/publications/don-wright-middle-class/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-02-15 |title=CIBC's Dodig warns Canada risks 'largest social crisis' if housing supply, immigration don't match |url=https://financialpost.com/news/economy/cibc-dodig-canada-risks-social-crisis-housing-immigration |access-date= |website=Financial Post |language=en-CA |archive-date=2023-03-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307173939/https://financialpost.com/news/economy/cibc-dodig-canada-risks-social-crisis-housing-immigration |url-status=live }} Among other factors, a major systemic impediment to this transition is the prevalent socioeconomic racialization of immigrants and its life-course altering impact on their quality of life.{{Cite web |date=2018-02-22 |title=Snapshot of racialized Poverty in Canada - Canada.ca |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/communities/reports/poverty-profile-snapshot.html |access-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222225642/https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/communities/reports/poverty-profile-snapshot.html |archive-date=2018-02-22 }}{{Cite journal |last=Reitz |first=Jeffrey G. |date=2007-03-01 |title=Immigrant Employment Success in Canada, Part II: Understanding the Decline |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-007-0002-3 |journal=Journal of International Migration and Integration / Revue de l'integration et de la migration internationale |language=en |volume=8 |issue=1 |pages=37–62 |doi=10.1007/s12134-007-0002-3 |s2cid=154183340 |issn=1874-6365 |access-date=2023-03-02 |archive-date=2024-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224110054/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12134-007-0002-3 |url-status=live }} A popular narrative that exists for immigration is that mass immigration can provide a solution to an aging population. This narrative has been questioned by some and they state immigration alone "can do little" in addressing the issue.{{Cite web |last1=Guillemette |first1=Yvan |last2=Robson |first2=William B.P. |date=2008-04-14 |title=No Elixir of Youth: Immigration Cannot Keep Canada Young |url=http://www.cdhowe.org/pdf/backgrounder_96.pdf |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080414023246/http://www.cdhowe.org/pdf/backgrounder_96.pdf |archive-date=2008-04-14 }} Many critics consider Canada has to systematically re-focus on legislating and promoting pro-family policies, and have to work actively in raising the living standard of Canadians.{{Cite web |last=Anglin |first=Howard |date=2021-07-23 |title=The one factor in the housing bubble that our leaders won't talk about |url=https://thehub.ca/2021-07-23/howard-anglin-the-one-factor-in-the-housing-bubble-that-our-leaders-wont-talk-about/ |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=The Hub |language=en-CA |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302110906/https://thehub.ca/2021-07-23/howard-anglin-the-one-factor-in-the-housing-bubble-that-our-leaders-wont-talk-about/ |url-status=live }} In 2023, Statistics Canada released a report indicating that the longstanding concern regarding labor shortages has ceased to be a predicament, a major objective of the immigration policy. The report recommends to incorporate workers at all levels for employment by deflating hiring requirements, prioritizing on-the-job training, and establishing sustainable workplace practices.{{Cite web |last=Nojoud |first=Al Mallees |date=2023-05-27 |title=StatCan report casts clouds on claims of a widespread labour shortage in Canada |url=https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/statcan-report-casts-clouds-on-claims-of-a-widespread-labour-shortage-in-canada/article_ee6fd2a0-4ed0-5470-96bf-2efff87f0704.html |access-date= |website=thecanadianpressnews.ca |language=en |archive-date=2023-05-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531105013/https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/statcan-report-casts-clouds-on-claims-of-a-widespread-labour-shortage-in-canada/article_ee6fd2a0-4ed0-5470-96bf-2efff87f0704.html |url-status=live }} Economists at banking institutions assert that the implications of rapid population growth for Canada are unmistakably disruptive. They contend that the labor market cannot feasibly accommodate the continued influx of newcomers. This expansion of the labor force lacks prudent planning and increases the risk of unemployment, posing a significant threat to the national economy.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-12 |editor-last=Wong |editor-first=Daniel |title=Canada's Labor Market Absorbing Its Population Boom Is "Impossible": National Bank |url=https://betterdwelling.com/canadas-labor-market-absorbing-its-population-boom-is-impossible-national-bank/ |access-date= |website=Better Dwelling |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-02-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214200429/https://betterdwelling.com/canadas-labor-market-absorbing-its-population-boom-is-impossible-national-bank/ |url-status=live }} Critics of mass immigration state that Canada does not have the infrastructure and public services to accommodate immigrants and temporary residents in large numbers.{{Cite web |last=T |first=Douglas |title=B.C. and Ontario need more say on immigration, says Quebec specialist (Anne Michèle Meggs) |url=https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/douglas-todd-bc-ontario-immigration-quebec-specialist |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=vancouversun |language=en-CA |archive-date=2022-12-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210024151/https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/douglas-todd-bc-ontario-immigration-quebec-specialist |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Francis |first=D. |date=2022-11-30 |title=Canada's health system can't support immigrant influx |url=https://financialpost.com/diane-francis/canada-health-system-cant-support-immigrant-influx |access-date= |website=Financial Post |language=en-CA |archive-date=2022-11-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130192534/https://financialpost.com/diane-francis/canada-health-system-cant-support-immigrant-influx |url-status=live }} Added to this they observe Canada's moral responsibility (Duty of care) to the welcomed refugees is as bad as its responsibility to the bulging homelessness issue.{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=Teresa |title=Growing number of newcomers, refugees ending up homeless in Canada: studies |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/homeless-newcomers-refugees-canada-studies-1.5242426 |website=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=2023-03-02 |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302110906/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/homeless-newcomers-refugees-canada-studies-1.5242426 |url-status=live }}

{{ main|History of immigration to Canada|History of Canadian nationality law}}

{{See also|European immigration to the Americas}}

File:Canadian pop from 1851 to 1921.jpg for 1851 (Newfoundland 1857), 1871 (Newfoundland 1869), 1901 and 1921 by historical region.]]

File:Come To Stay.png, which refers to immigration to the "Dominion".]]

Following initial British and French colonization, what is now Canada has seen four major waves (or peaks) of immigration and settlement of non-Aboriginal Peoples take place over a span of nearly two centuries. Canada is currently undergoing its fifth wave.

Periods of low immigration in Canada have also occurred: international movement was very difficult during the world wars, and there was a lack of jobs "pulling" workers to Canada during the Great Depression in Canada. Statistics Canada has tabulated the effect of immigration on population growth in Canada from 1851 to 2001.[http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/demo03.htm?sdi=immigration Statistics Canada] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108010629/http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/demo03.htm?sdi=immigration|date=2008-01-08}} – immigration from 1851 to 2001

{{More citations needed|date=May 2023}}

The first significant wave of non-Aboriginal immigration to Canada occurred over almost two centuries with slow, but progressive, French settlement in Quebec and Acadia, along with smaller numbers of American and European entrepreneurs in addition to British military personnel. This wave culminated with the influx of 46–50,000 British Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, chiefly from the Mid-Atlantic States, mostly into what are now Southern Ontario, the Eastern Townships of Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.Troper, Harold. [2013 April 22] 2017 September 19. "[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/immigration Immigration in Canada] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208180728/https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/immigration |date=2020-12-08 }}." The Canadian Encyclopedia. Ottawa: Historica Canada. 36,000 of these migrants went to the Maritimes, and some would later make their way to Ontario.

Another wave of 30,000 Americans settled in Ontario and the Eastern Townships between the late 1780s and 1812 with promises of land. From forcibly having cleared land in Scotland, several thousands of Gaelic-speaking Scottish Highlanders migrated to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and parts of Eastern Ontario during this period, marking a new age for Canada and its people.

{{Unreferenced section|date=May 2023}}

{{main|Great Migration of Canada}}

The second wave of immigrants, known as the Great Migration of Canada, saw the arrival of at least 800,000 people between 1815 and 1850, 60% of whom were British (English and Scottish), while the remainder was mostly Irish.{{cite web |url=http://www.linksnorth.com/canada-history/thecolonies.html |title=The History of Canada and Canadians - Colonies Grow Up |publisher=Linksnorth.com |date=2006-10-12 |access-date=2010-07-29 |archive-date=2020-08-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803235319/https://www.linksnorth.com/canada-history/thecolonies.html |url-status=live }}

The Great Migration encouraged immigrants to settle in Canada after the War of 1812, including British army regulars who had served in that war. In 1815, 80% of the 250,000 English-speaking people in Canada were either American colonists or their descendants. Worried about another American attempt at invasion—and to counter the French-speaking influence of Quebec—colonial governors of Canada rushed to promote settlement in backcountry areas along newly constructed plank roads within organized land tracts, mostly in Upper Canada (present-day Ontario). Much of the settlements were organized by large companies to promote clearing, and thus farming of land lots. By 1851, the percentage of Americans had dropped to 30% or 500k. By the 1820s Irish immigration to Canada had increased in small numbers to organize land settlements, mostly to work on canals, timber, railroads but also established themselves in the cities in the Maritimes, Québec, and Ontario. Irish immigration would peak from 1846 to 1849 due to the Great Famine of Ireland, which resulted in hundreds of thousands more Irish migrants arriving on Canada's shores, with a portion migrating to the United States, either in the short-term or over the subsequent decades.

This movement of people boosted Canada's population from approximately 500,000 in 1812 to 2.5 million by 1851. The Francophones were 300,000 of the population in 1812, increasing to approx. 700,000 by the 1851 census, however, demographically Canada had swung to a majority Anglophone country. Canada's 1851 population by region would look as follows:

• Upper Canada (Ontario): 952,000;
• Lower Canada (Quebec): 890,000—about a quarter of whom spoke English as a first language;
• The Maritimes: 550,000.

File:Ad to attract Immigrants to wheat belt in 1898.jpg

The Dominion Lands Act of 1872 copied the American system by offering ownership of 160 acres (65 ha) of land free (with a small registration fee) to any man over the age of 18, or any woman heading a household. They did not need to be citizens but had to live on the plot and improve it.

Also during this period, Canada became a port of entry for many Europeans seeking to gain entry into the United States. Canadian transportation companies advertised Canadian ports as a hassle-free way to enter the US, especially as the States began barring entry to certain ethnicities. Both the US and Canada mitigated this situation in 1894 with the Canadian Agreement which allowed for U.S. immigration officials to inspect ships landing at Canadian ports for immigrants excluded from the US. If found, the transporting companies were responsible for shipping the persons back.Smith, Marina L. 2000. "The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) at the U.S.–Canadian Border, 1893–1993: An Overview of Issues and Topics." Michigan Historical Review 26(2):127–47.

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Clifford Sifton, Ottawa's Minister of the Interior (1896–1905), argued that the free western lands were ideal for growing wheat and would attract large numbers of hard-working farmers. He removed obstacles that included control of the lands by companies or organizations that did little to encourage settlement. Land companies, the Hudson's Bay Company, and school lands all accounted for large tracts of excellent property. The railways kept closed even larger tracts because they were reluctant to take legal title to the even-numbered lands they were due, thus blocking the sale of odd-numbered tracts. With the goal of maximizing immigration from Britain, eastern Canada and the US, Sifton broke the legal log jam, and set up aggressive advertising campaigns in the U.S. and Europe, with a host of agents promoting the Canadian West. He would also broker deals with ethnic groups who wanted large tracts for homogeneous settlement.Hall, "Clifford Sifton: Immigration and Settlement Policy, 1896–1905."

File:Sikh men standing in front of a house at a lumber camp in British Columbia, circa 1914 (INDOCC 1526).jpg Sikh settlers at a lumber camp in British Columbia, circa 1914]]

Canada's third wave of immigration came mostly from continental Europe, and peaked before World War I from 1911 to 1913, with over 400,000 migrants in 1912—many of whom were from Eastern and Southern Europe.

{{further|History of Chinese immigration to Canada}}Prior to 1885, restrictions on immigration were imposed mostly in response to large waves of migrants rather than planned policy decisions. Such restrictions, at least as official policy, would not explicitly target any specific group or ethnicity of people until 1885, with the passing of the first Chinese Head Tax legislation by the MacDonald government in response to a growing number of Chinese migrants working on the Canadian Pacific Railway.{{Cite book |last=Woodsworth |first=James Shaver |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l1Y-AQAAMAAJ&pg=171 |title=Strangers Within Our Gates, Or, Coming Canadians |date=1911 |publisher=F.C. Stephenson |pages=171+ |language=en |access-date=2022-10-12 |archive-date=2023-05-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501062819/https://books.google.com/books?id=l1Y-AQAAMAAJ&pg=171 |url-status=live }}

Subsequent increases in the head tax in 1900 and 1903 limited Chinese entrants to Canada, and it was followed by 1907 major riots against 'Oriental' people (i.e. Asians) in Vancouver, BC by Asiatic Exclusion League.{{Cite book |last=Ward |first=W. Peter |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wZrmKQohsGwC&pg=65 |title=White Canada Forever: Popular Attitudes and Public Policy Toward Orientals in British Columbia |date=1990 |publisher=McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP |isbn=978-0-7735-0824-8 |language=en |access-date=2022-10-12 |archive-date=2023-05-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501062825/https://books.google.com/books?id=wZrmKQohsGwC&pg=65 |url-status=live }} In 1923, the government passed the Chinese Immigration Act which excluded Chinese people from entering Canada altogether between 1923 and 1947.{{Cite web|last=Canada|first=Library and Archives|date=2012-04-13|title=Chinese|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/immigration/history-ethnic-cultural/Pages/chinese.aspx|access-date=2020-07-19|website=www.bac-lac.gc.ca|archive-date=2020-10-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015164309/https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/immigration/history-ethnic-cultural/Pages/chinese.aspx|url-status=live}} In recognizing Canada's historical discrimination against Chinese immigrants, an official government apology and compensations were announced on 22 June 2006.{{Cite web|last=Canada|first=Employment and Social Development|date=2006-06-22|title=Prime Minister Harper Offers Full Apology for the Chinese Head Tax|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive/2006/06/prime-minister-harper-offers-full-apology-chinese-head-tax.html|access-date=2020-07-19|website=gcnws|archive-date=2020-10-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013083454/https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive/2006/06/prime-minister-harper-offers-full-apology-chinese-head-tax.html|url-status=live}}

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The fourth wave came from Europe following World War II, and peaked at 282,000 in 1957. With many of these migrants coming from Italy and Portugal, Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia proved to be an influential port for European immigration. From 1928 until ceasing operations in 1971, the Pier would receive 471,940 Italians, becoming the third-largest ethnic group to immigrate to Canada during that time period.{{Cite web|title=Italian Immigration at Pier 21|url=https://www.pier21.ca/wp-content/uploads/files/First_75_Years/research_italians.pdf|last=Smith|first=Carrie-Ann|website=Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816000332/https://www.pier21.ca/wp-content/uploads/files/First_75_Years/research_italians.pdf|archive-date=2017-08-16|access-date=2018-04-17}}

Immigrants from Britain, however, were still given the highest priority,Janice Cavell, "The Imperial Race and the Immigration Sieve: The Canadian Debate on Assisted British Migration and Empire Settlement, 1900–30", Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History 34#3 (2006): pp. 345–67. and 'Canadianization' would become of great importance for new arrivals who lacked a British cultural background.Fedorowich, Kent. 2016. "Restocking the British World: Empire Migration and Anglo-Canadian Relations, 1919–30." Britain and the World 9(2):236–69. {{doi|10.3366/brw.2016.0239}} (open access). There would be no such effort to attract Francophone immigrants. In regard to economic opportunity, Canada was most attractive to farmers headed to the Prairies, who typically came from Eastern and Central Europe, as immigrants from Britain preferred urban life.Korneski, Kurt. 2007. "Britishness, Canadianness, Class, and Race: Winnipeg and the British World, 1880s–1910s." Journal of Canadian Studies 41(2):161–84. As such, the Church of England took up the role of introducing British values to farmers newly arrived in the Prairie provinces, although, in practice, they clung to their traditional religious affiliations.Smith, David. 1981. "Instilling British Values in the Prairie Provinces." Prairie Forum 6(2):129–41. Nonetheless, around the 1960s, Indo-Canadians would establish themselves in Canada's exurban and rural agriculture and become a dominant feature in British Columbia's farming sector, having already primarily been established in the provincial forestry industry since the turn of the 20th century."[http://moia.gov.in/pdf/Canada.pdf Country Brief – Canada]" ([https://web.archive.org/web/20130626020104/http://moia.gov.in/pdf/Canada.pdf Archive]). Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. p. 4/7. Retrieved on October 21, 2014. "Emigrants from India today enjoy success in all fields within the economy while there are some concentration in British Columbia in agriculture and forestry." Hispanic immigrants would follow similar lines, particularly in regions that were linked with strong farming settlements immediately south of the border.

With the economy still expanding, Canadians did not always demonstrate sufficient mobility to fill the hiring needs of some regions, nor to fill some economic niches (particularly “entry-level jobs”). Due to these circumstances, in 1967, the Canadian Government would introduce a points-based system, under which applicants were given preference if they knew either French, English, or both; were non-dependent adults (i.e., not too old to work); already had prospective employment lined up in Canada; had relatives in the country (who could support them if necessary); were interested in settling in the parts of Canada with the greatest need for workers; and were trained or educated in fields that were in demand. The new legislation would prove to be an integral element in attracting large numbers of immigrants from sources that were considered “non-traditional.”

From then on, Canada would start to become a more multi-ethnic country with substantial non-British or non-French European elements. Ukrainian Canadians, for instance, accounted for the largest Ukrainian population outside of the Soviet Union. Also in the 1960s, young American men fled to Canada in order to avoid the U.S. draft for the Vietnam War. Especially large numbers were established in BC's Kootenays, Gulf Islands, and Sunshine Coast, followed by others, including counterculture, back-to-the-land advocates who were more drawn to Canada.

File:Canadian Children Immigration.jpg in Vancouver, 1 July 1999]]

Immigration in Canada since the 1970s, or the fifth wave, has been mostly from Asia. This was largely influenced in 1976 when the Immigration Act was revised and was maintained as official government policy. The regulations introduced in 1976 consisted of 9 categories: education, occupation, professional skills, age, arranged employment, knowledge of English and/or French, relatives in Canada and “personal characteristics.” To qualify for immigration 50 points out of 100 were necessary in 1976.Gogia, N., and Slade, B. (2011), About Canada: Immigration, Fernwood Pub, Halifax, NS

On 20 February 1978, Canada and Quebec signed an immigration agreement allowing Quebec decision-making power in independently choosing its immigrants, who would then still have to be approved by Ottawa.{{Cite web|url=https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1133281/quebec-ministere-immigration-politique-archives|title=Il y a 50 ans, le Québec se dotait d'un ministère de l'Immigration|last=ICI.Radio-Canada.ca|first=Zone Politique -|website=Radio-Canada.ca|date=2 November 2018 |language=fr-ca|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105013836/https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1133281/quebec-ministere-immigration-politique-archives|url-status=live}}

During the Mulroney administration, immigration levels were increased. From the late 1980s, the 'fifth wave' of immigration has since maintained, with slight fluctuations (225,000–275,000 annually). Today,{{Update inline|date=May 2021}} political parties remain cautious in criticizing high levels of immigration, because in the early 1990s, as noted by The Globe and Mail, Canada's Reform Party "was branded 'racist' for suggesting that immigration levels be lowered from 250,000 to 150,000".{{cite book|author=Elspeth Cameron|title=Multiculturalism and Immigration in Canada: An Introductory Reader|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zakCX5XPnAAC&pg=PA118|date= 2004|publisher=Canadian Scholars’ Press|isbn=978-1-55130-249-2|page=118}}{{citation |last=Kurzfeld |first=Ronen |title=Is the current model of immigration the best one for Canada? |date=May 28, 2024 |work=Kurzfeld Law Firm |url=https://kurzfeldlawfirm.com/is-the-current-model-of-immigration-the-best-one-for-canada/ |access-date=May 28, 2024 |location=Canada}} However, the Coalition Avenir Québec who were elected in the 2018 Quebec election advocated for a reduction to the number of immigrants, to 40,000 for the province of Quebec, a reduction of 20%.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/caq-government-priorities-1.4846427|title=Here are the priorities of Quebec's new CAQ government|last=Shingler|first=Benjamin|date=October 1, 2018|website=CBC News|access-date=November 25, 2019|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124210224/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/caq-government-priorities-1.4846427|url-status=live}}

In 2008, Stephen Harper gave then-parliamentary secretary and Minister of Multiculturalism and Citizenship Jason Kenney, established a mandate to integrate immigrants, while improving relationship between the government to communities to gain votes.{{Cite web|title=The inside story of Jason Kenney's campaign to win over ethnic votes|url=https://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/welcome-to-my-world/|website=Maclean's|date=2 February 2013 |access-date=2019-11-16|archive-date=2019-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110070101/https://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/welcome-to-my-world/|url-status=live}} In November 2017, Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen announced that Canada would admit nearly 1 million permanent residents over the following three years, rising from 0.7% to 1% of its population by 2020.{{Cite news |last1=Bascaramurty |first1=Dakshana |date=1 November 2017 |title=Canada Aims for Immigration Boost to Buttress Economy as Population Ages |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canada-to-admit-40000-more-immigrants-a-year-by-2020-under-liberals-new-three-year-plan/article36800775/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413153212/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canada-to-admit-40000-more-immigrants-a-year-by-2020-under-liberals-new-three-year-plan/article36800775/ |archive-date=13 April 2019 |url-status=live |work=The Globe and Mail |access-date=23 June 2018}} This increase was motivated by the economic needs of the country caused by an aging population.

File:Sikhs on the move!.jpgs celebrating the Sikh new year in Toronto]]

In 2008, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (now Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ) made changes to immigration policy, such as reducing professional categories for skilled immigration and eliminating caps for immigrants in various categories.{{cite news|last=Grant|first=Tavia|date=28 September 2016|title=320,000 newcomers came to Canada in past year, highest number since 1971|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canada-welcomed-320000-immigrants-in-past-year-highest-number-since-1971/article32102991/|access-date=13 October 2016|archive-date=15 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515072838/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canada-welcomed-320000-immigrants-in-past-year-highest-number-since-1971/article32102991/|url-status=live}} Likewise, in 2015, Canada introduced the 'Express Entry' system, providing a streamlined application process for many economic immigrants.{{Cite web|last=IRCC|date=3 March 2016|title=Express Entry Year-End Report 2015 – Canada.ca|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/express-entry-year-end-report-2015.html|access-date=2018-10-10|website=Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada|publisher=Government of Canada|archive-date=2018-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010174406/https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/express-entry-year-end-report-2015.html|url-status=live}}

From 2013–2014, most of the Canadian public, as well as the country's major political parties, supported either sustaining or increasing the current level of immigration.{{cite book|author1=Freeman|first=Gary P.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A0s03B_RjhIC&pg=PA8|title=Immigration and Public Opinion in Liberal Democracies|author2=Randall Hansen|author3=David L. Leal|publisher=Routledge|year=2013|isbn=978-1-136-21161-4|page=8|access-date=2016-10-15|archive-date=2024-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224110427/https://books.google.com/books?id=A0s03B_RjhIC&pg=PA8#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}} A sociological study conducted in 2014 concluded that "Australia and Canada are the most receptive to immigration among western nations."Markus, Andrew. 2014. "Attitudes to immigration and cultural diversity in Australia." Journal of Sociology 50(1):10–22. In 2017, an Angus Reid poll indicated that a majority of respondents believed that Canada should accept fewer immigrants and refugees.{{cite web|last=Holliday|first=Ian (research associate)|title=Spirituality in a changing world: Half say faith is 'important' to how they consider society's problems|url=http://angusreid.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2017.05.17-Faith-Wave-1-Part2.pdf|access-date=4 May 2020|website=Angus Reid Institute|page=15|type=public opinion poll|archive-date=9 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709085127/http://angusreid.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2017.05.17-Faith-Wave-1-Part2.pdf|url-status=live}}

According to 2016 Census data via Statistics Canada, over one in five Canadians were born abroad, while 22.3% of the Canadian population belonged to visible minorities, of whom three in ten were born in Canada.{{cite web|last=Statistics Canada|date=1 November 2017|title=Immigration and ethnocultural diversity: Key results from the 2016 Census|url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/171025/dq171025b-eng.htm|access-date=23 June 2018|website=The Daily, StatCan|publisher=Government of Canada|archive-date=19 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419001900/https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/171025/dq171025b-eng.htm|url-status=live}} Moreover, 21.9% of the Canadian population reported themselves as being or having been a landed immigrant or permanent resident in Canada—close to the 1921 Census record of 22.3%, the highest level Canada has seen since Confederation in 1867.

File:Toronto rally for Palestine - 20231028-202340714.jpg are of immigrant backgrounds consisting a diverse range of ethnic groups.]]

In 2019, Canada admitted 341,180 permanent residents, compared to 321,055 the previous year.{{Cite web|date=May 31, 2020|title=Canada - Admissions of permanent resident by province/territory of intended destination and immigration category|url=https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/f7e5498e-0ad8-4417-85c9-9b8aff9b9eda|website=Open Government|access-date=July 13, 2020|archive-date=July 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713204541/https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/f7e5498e-0ad8-4417-85c9-9b8aff9b9eda|url-status=live}} Among those admitted, 58% were economic immigrants and their accompanying immediate families; 27% were family class; 15% were either resettled refugees or protected persons or were in the humanitarian and other category. India, Philippines and China are the top three countries of origin for immigrants moving to Canada.{{Cite news |date=June 6, 2019 |title=Is Canada asking countries for a million immigrants? |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48466771 |access-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005085112/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48466771 |url-status=live }} A record number of 405,000 immigrants were admitted to Canada in 2021,{{cite news |last1=Sangani |first1=Priyanka |title=Canada to take in 1.3 million immigrants in 2022-24 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/canada-to-take-in-1-3-million-immigrants-in-2022-24/articleshow/89593324.cms?from=mdr |work=The Economic Times |date=February 15, 2022 |access-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-date=February 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215120744/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/canada-to-take-in-1-3-million-immigrants-in-2022-24/articleshow/89593324.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }} surpassing the previous annual record of 400,900 set in 1913.

In 2022, the Government of Canada stated plans to increase immigration to 500,000 people per year until 2025.{{Cite news |date=2022-11-22 |title=Canada: Why the country wants to bring in 1.5m immigrants by 2025 |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-63643912 |access-date=2022-11-24 |archive-date=2022-11-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124020110/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-63643912 |url-status=live }} However, following issues regarding temporary residents of Canada the number of permanent residents in 2025 decreased from a previous target of 500,000 to 395,000, and is to set a smaller target for by 2027.{{Cite web |title=Trudeau announces sharp cuts to Canada's immigration targets |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd7n3rqyjqzo |access-date=2024-11-19 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}

{{main|Canada immigration statistics#Annual immigration and rate|Economic impact of immigration to Canada}}

Since confederation in 1867, the highest annual immigration rate in Canada occurred during the early 20th century, including 1913 (new immigrants accounted for 5.3 percent of the total population), 1912 (5.1 percent), 1911 (4.6 percent), 1907 (4.3 percent) and 1910 (4.1 percent).{{cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |year=2013 |url=http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/98-187-x/4151287-eng.htm |title=Censuses of Canada 1665 to 1871: Estimated population of Canada, 1605 to present |access-date=2022-10-30 |archive-date=2019-01-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105184945/https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/98-187-x/4151287-eng.htm |url-status=live }} At this time, immigration from the British Isles increased, supplemented by a rapid increase in immigration flows from continental Europe, especially Germany, Scandinavia, Austria-Hungary and the Russian Empire.

Per the Canada–Quebec Accord of 1991, Quebec has sole responsibility for selecting most immigrants destined to the province. However, once immigrants are granted permanent residency or citizenship they are free to move between and reside in any provinces under Section 6 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

In 2001, 250,640 people immigrated to Canada, relative to a total population of 30,007,094 people per the 2001 Census. Since 2001, immigration has ranged between 221,352 and 262,236 immigrants per annum.IRCC. 2019. "[https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/reports-statistics/statistics-open-data.html Statistics and Open Data] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100904075542/http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGlish/resources/statistics/menu-fact.asp |date=2010-09-04 }}." Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Ottawa: Government of Canada. {{Cite web |url=http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGlish/resources/statistics/menu-fact.asp |title=Statistics and Open Data |date=31 March 2007 |access-date=2020-01-22 |archive-date=2016-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222234704/http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/statistics/menu-fact.asp |url-status=dead }}. Retrieved 5 May 2020. In 2017, the Liberal government announced Canada will welcome nearly one million immigrants over the next three years. The number of migrants would climb to 310,000 in 2018, up from 300,000 in 2017. That number was projected to rise to 330,000 in 2019, then 340,000 in 2020.{{cite web|title=Canada to admit nearly 1 million immigrants over next 3 years|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/immigration-canada-2018-1.4371146|website=CBC News|access-date=27 May 2018|archive-date=18 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191118155849/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/immigration-canada-2018-1.4371146|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Canada to take 1 million immigrants by 2020|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/punjabi/en/article/2017/11/10/canada-take-1-million-immigrants-2020|website=Sbs.com.au|access-date=27 May 2018|archive-date=27 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627040944/https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/punjabi/en/article/2017/11/10/canada-take-1-million-immigrants-2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Canada to Admit Almost a Million Immigrants Over Next Three Years|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-02/canada-to-admit-980-000-new-permanent-residents-over-three-years|date=2 November 2017|website=Bloomberg.com|access-date=27 May 2018|archive-date=27 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627005534/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-02/canada-to-admit-980-000-new-permanent-residents-over-three-years|url-status=live}} Accordingly, between 2017 and 2018, net immigration accounted for 80% of Canada's population increase.IRCC. 2020 October 30. "[https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/annual-report-parliament-immigration-2020.html#trprograms 2020 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218064639/https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/annual-report-parliament-immigration-2020.html#trprograms |date=2020-12-18 }}." Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. {{Issn|1706-3329}}.

The three main official reasons given for the level of immigration were:

File:COB data Canada.PNG

• The social component – Canada facilitates family reunification.
• The humanitarian component – Relating to refugees.
• The economic component – Attracting immigrants who will contribute economically and fill labour market needs.

Canada's level of immigration peaked in 1993 in the last year of the Progressive Conservative government and was maintained by the Liberal Party of Canada. Ambitious targets of an annual 1% per capita immigration rate were hampered by financial constraints. The Liberals committed to raising actual immigration levels further in 2005.

As Canadian political parties have been cautious about criticizing high levels of immigration, immigration levels to Canada (approx. 0.7% per year) are considerably higher per capita than to the United States (approx. 0.3% per year).

Furthermore, much of the immigration to the US is from Latin America and relatively less from Asia, though admitting about twice as many immigrants from Asian countries (e.g. China, India, the Philippines, and Pakistan) as Canada. As such, the Hispanic/Latin American population makes up the largest minority group in the United States, whereas such is true for the Asian population in Canada.

File:Immigration and public transit in Toronto, 2016.png

Immigrant population growth is concentrated in or around large cities (particularly Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal). These cities have experienced increased service demands that accompany strong population growth, causing concern about the capability of the infrastructure to handle influxes in such places. For example, as noted in a Toronto Star article from 14 July 2006, 43% of Canada's immigrants move to the Greater Toronto Area and that, "unless Canada cuts immigrant numbers, our major cities will not be able to maintain their social and physical infrastructures."[https://www.thestar.com/Canada2020/article/106702 When immigration goes awry] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116060741/http://www.thestar.com/Canada2020/article/106702|date=2013-01-16}}, Toronto Star, 14 July 2006. Retrieved 5 August 2006. Most of the provinces that do not have one of those destination cities have implemented strategies to try to boost their share of immigration. Within cities, immigrants are more likely to settle in areas with better public transit service compared to non-immigrants, and are more likely to use public transit for travelling to work, partly because of costs and barriers to car ownership{{Cite journal|last1=Allen|first1=Jeff|last2=Farber|first2=Steven|last3=Greaves|first3=Stephen|last4=Clifton|first4=Geoffrey|last5=Wu|first5=Hao|last6=Sarkar|first6=Somwrita|last7=Levinson|first7=David M.|date=2021-10-01|title=Immigrant settlement patterns, transit accessibility, and transit use|url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0966692321002404|journal=Journal of Transport Geography|language=en|volume=96|pages=103187|doi=10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2021.103187|bibcode=2021JTGeo..9603187A |issn=0966-6923|hdl=2123/27305|hdl-access=free}} While cities are a popular destination for new immigrants, some small towns have seen an influx of immigration due to economic reasons and accessibility of schools excelling in both academic and vocational training. This dynamic presents a challenge for these regional districts/municipalities to adapt and grow with the changes.{{cite web|title=Supporting Reconnecting Immigrant Families with English Language Learners in Rural Schools: An Exploratory Study of Filipino Arrivals to Alberta|url=http://bild-lida.ca/journal/volume_2_2_2018/supporting-reconnecting-immigrant-families-with-english-language-learners-in-rural-schools-an-exploratory-study-of-filipino-arrivals-to-alberta/|last1=Tweedie|first1=Gregory|last2=Dressler|first2=Anja|date=2018-11-12|access-date=17 November 2018|last3=Schmidt|first3=Cora-Leah|archive-date=2018-11-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119010716/http://bild-lida.ca/journal/volume_2_2_2018/supporting-reconnecting-immigrant-families-with-english-language-learners-in-rural-schools-an-exploratory-study-of-filipino-arrivals-to-alberta/|url-status=live}}

Canada's plan to increase immigration aims to address labor shortages and demographic changes that threaten the country's future. While experts acknowledge the benefits of increased immigration, they emphasize the need for comprehensive solutions that extend beyond simply raising immigration levels. Matching newcomers' skills with available job opportunities, streamlining recognition of foreign credentials through regulatory bodies, and expanding the focus to encompass a wider range of job sectors are crucial steps. Additionally, they express concerns regarding the strain on essential services and potential stakeholder influence on policy-making require careful consideration. The experts concur that achieving a balance between the country's economic needs and the well-being of both newcomers and existing residents will be key to effectively addressing labor market challenges and ensuring successful immigration integration.{{Cite web |last=Nojoud |first=Al Mallees |date=2023-01-13 |title=Liberal minister says Canada needs more immigration as targets get mixed reviews |url=https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/business/liberal-minister-says-canada-needs-more-immigration-as-targets-get-mixed-reviews/article_594c3be8-7d8b-5a41-a36b-8637ee34f69e.html |access-date= |website=thecanadianpressnews.ca |language=en |archive-date=2023-05-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506053411/https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/business/liberal-minister-says-canada-needs-more-immigration-as-targets-get-mixed-reviews/article_594c3be8-7d8b-5a41-a36b-8637ee34f69e.html |url-status=live }}

File:Asylum seeker entering Canada from Roxham Road, Champlain, NY.jpg in the Quebec-New York border in Lacolle directs a man entering Canada outside of a port of entry to a nearby tent for processing.|alt=A bald uniformed police officer wearing black gloves and a blue flack jacket with "POLICE" written on it in white letters at left points in that direction while a man on the right in a blue and brown striped sweater wearing a baseball cap pulls a wheeled suitcase behind him on a dirt pathway with shrubs behind him]]

Estimates of undocumented immigrants in Canada ranged between 35,000 and 120,000 in 2007,{{cite news|date=20 October 2007|title=Canadians want illegal immigrants deported: poll|newspaper=Ottawa Citizen|publisher=Postmedia|url=http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=f86690ed-a2ed-447c-8be8-21ba5a3dd922|url-status=dead|access-date=2010-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101020005655/http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=f86690ed-a2ed-447c-8be8-21ba5a3dd922|archive-date=20 October 2010|via=Canada.com}} with 2024 estimates generally of 500,000 to 700,000.{{cite news|date=November 7, 2024|title=Canada prepares for a rise in border crossings with threat of mass deportations under Trump

|newspaper=CBC News|publisher=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canada-quebec-mass-deportations-migrants-1.7376532}} James Bissett, a former head of the Canadian Immigration Service, has suggested that the lack of any credible refugee screening process, combined with a high likelihood of ignoring any deportation orders, has resulted in tens of thousands of outstanding warrants for the arrest of rejected refugee claimants, with little attempt at enforcement.{{cite web|title=James Bissett: Stop bogus refugees before they get in|url=http://www.canada.com/story.html?id=4e443e18-dc44-4128-bf17-ba209ba470f3|date=27 September 2007|website=National Post|publisher=Postmedia|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924122946/http://www.canada.com/story.html?id=4e443e18-dc44-4128-bf17-ba209ba470f3|archive-date=24 September 2015|access-date=2015-09-04}} A 2008 report by the Auditor General Sheila Fraser stated that Canada has lost track of as many as 41,000 illegal immigrants.{{cite web|title=Canada has lost track of 41,000 illegals: Fraser|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada-has-lost-track-of-41-000-illegals-fraser-1.293851|author=CTV News Staff|date=2008-05-06|website=CTV News|publisher=Bell Media|access-date=2018-01-31|archive-date=2012-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021022540/http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada-has-lost-track-of-41-000-illegals-fraser-1.293851|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Detention and Removal of Individuals—Canada Border Services Agency|url=http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200805_07_e_30703.html|date=May 2008|work=2008 May Report of the Auditor General of Canada|publisher=Office of the Auditor General of Canada|access-date=2018-05-02|archive-date=2017-11-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101233213/http://www1.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_200805_07_e_30703.html|url-status=live}}

In August 2017, the border between Quebec and New York, most notably the former Roxham Road port of entry, saw an influx of up to 500 crossings each day outside of official ports of entry by people seeking asylum in Canada.{{cite news|date=2017-08-17|title=Number Of Asylum Seekers At Quebec Border Nearly Quadrupled In July: Officials|language=en-CA|work=HuffPost Canada|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2017/08/17/number-of-asylum-seekers-at-quebec-border-quadrupled-in-july-of_a_23080807/|access-date=2018-03-16|archive-date=2019-05-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524044914/https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2017/08/17/number-of-asylum-seekers-at-quebec-border-quadrupled-in-july-of_a_23080807/|url-status=live}} Entering Canada outside of a port of entry is not an offence under either the Criminal Code or Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and regulations under the IRPA only require that a person seeking to enter Canada outside a point of entry to "appear without delay" at the nearest port of entry.{{cite news |last1=Grant |first1=Tavia |title=Are asylum seekers crossing into Canada illegally? A look at facts behind the controversy |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-asylum-seekers-in-canada-has-become-a-divisive-and-confusing-issue-a/ |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=The Globe and Mail |date=11 September 2018 |archive-date=24 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524214515/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-asylum-seekers-in-canada-has-become-a-divisive-and-confusing-issue-a/ |url-status=live }} While entering Canada outside of a port of entry may represent an unlawful act, section 133 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act requires that charges related to any offences associated with entering Canada are stayed while an entrant's claim is being processed in accordance with the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.{{cite news |title=Illegal or irregular? What's the proper term for Canada's border crossers? |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/illegal-or-irregular-what-s-the-proper-term-for-canada-s-border-crossers-1.4071533 |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=CTV News |date=28 August 2018 |archive-date=14 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014213815/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/illegal-or-irregular-what-s-the-proper-term-for-canada-s-border-crossers-1.4071533 |url-status=live }}

As result, Canada increased border patrol and immigration staffing in the area, reiterating that crossing the border outside ports of entry (referred to as 'irregular migration') had no effect on one's asylum status.{{cite news|last=Woods|first=Allan|date=2017-08-23|title=Canada is not a safe haven for asylum seekers, Trudeau warns|language=en-CA|work=The Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2017/08/23/canada-is-not-a-safe-haven-for-asylum-seekers-trudeau-warns.html|access-date=2017-10-16|issn=0319-0781|archive-date=2020-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112002851/https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2017/08/23/canada-is-not-a-safe-haven-for-asylum-seekers-trudeau-warns.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Trudeau says steps to tackle spike in asylum-seekers yielding 'positive results'|language=en|work=CBC News|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/asylum-seekers-border-crossing-1.4258928|access-date=2017-10-16|archive-date=2020-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031823/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/asylum-seekers-border-crossing-1.4258928|url-status=live}} It is reported that over 38,000 'irregular migrants' arrived in Canada since early 2017.

For the same reason, both Ontario and Quebec requested the Government of Canada to provide {{CAD|200 million|link=yes}} or more to cover their cost of burden to house and provide services to asylum seekers. Related to asylum seekers, Canada joined 164 countries in signing the UN Global Compact for Migration in 2018. The 2017 government claims it is for following careful measures and to meet international obligations in accommodating irregular migrants.{{cite web| url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeay-lashes-out-conservatives-immigration-1.4948419| title = Trudeau lashes out at Conservatives for whipping up fear over immigration {{!}} CBC News| access-date = 2018-12-22| archive-date = 2018-12-18| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181218133220/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeay-lashes-out-conservatives-immigration-1.4948419| url-status = live}}

While it is impossible to determine, it is generally accepted that there are tens of thousands of illegal immigrants living in Canada.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}} There were 2,560 removal orders issued against illegal immigrants in 2018, according to a report by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.{{Cite journal |last=Stafford |first=Debrah |date=2005 |title=Juvenile Detention Fact Sheet |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/e571492006-006 |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=PsycEXTRA Dataset |doi=10.1037/e571492006-006 |archive-date=2024-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224110438/https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/PE |url-status=live }} An internal audit report surfaced in 2023 from the Canada Border Security Agency (CBSA) revealing that nearly half of the flagged foreign nationals with serious offences including war crimes, espionage and terrorism were allowed to gain residency in Canada from 2014 to 2019. Immigration officials granted residency for 46% of over 7,000 cases where the CBSA recommended against entry. The audit evaluated the Immigration National Security Screening Program, which is responsible for preventing inadmissible individuals from entering or staying in the country.{{Cite news |last=Nardi |first=Christopher |date=2023-06-20 |title=Ottawa allowed in half of foreign nationals red-flagged as security risks, audit finds |work=National Post |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/ottawa-allowed-in-red-flagged-foreign-nationals |access-date=2023-06-24 |archive-date=2024-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224110456/https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/ottawa-allowed-in-red-flagged-foreign-nationals |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Canada Border Services Agency |date=2023-02-24 |title=Evaluation of the Immigration National Security Screening Program: Executive summary and introduction |url=https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/agency-agence/reports-rapports/ae-ve/2023/introduction-eng.html |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca |archive-date=2023-06-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628041103/https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/agency-agence/reports-rapports/ae-ve/2023/introduction-eng.html |url-status=live }}

Settlement workers help immigrants into Canada understand their rights and responsibilities and find the programs and services they need to integrate with the new culture and the prospects of a livelihood. They motivate organizations to hire immigrants and support immigration through recruiting new members/ employees. They work with government agencies, school boards, libraries and other community organizations with networks of resources.{{cite web|title=Settlement Worker – Alternative Jobs|url=http://settlement.org/alternative-jobs/social-worker/settlement-worker/|website=settlement.org|access-date=2016-05-19|archive-date=2016-05-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510042940/http://settlement.org/alternative-jobs/social-worker/settlement-worker|url-status=live}} These working relationships also help to provide families with the tools necessary to manage the changing identities of new immigrant families to Canada. Non-profit organizations such as Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://mnlct.org/about-us/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=MNLCT |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-11-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109154807/https://mnlct.org/about-us/ |url-status=live }} were founded as early as 1983 to help with immigrant settlement.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-03 |title=Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto |url=https://uwaterloo.ca/mennonite-archives-ontario/congregations/mennonite-new-life-centre-toronto |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Mennonite Archives of Ontario |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206183715/https://uwaterloo.ca/mennonite-archives-ontario/congregations/mennonite-new-life-centre-toronto |url-status=live }}

{{See also|International students in Canada}}

Canada is an education haven for international students desirous to gain a North American education. According to Project Atlas, Canada is the world's fourth most popular destination for foreign students. The government by opening its gates to international students across the country has given an economic boom to the education sector. In 2019 alone, it is estimated that a revenue of $21 billion was gained from tuition alone.{{cite web| url = https://www.cicnews.com/2019/08/canada-wants-to-diversify-international-student-intake-0812691.html#gs.swfabo| title = Canada wants to diversify international student intake {{!}} Canada Immigration News| date = 26 August 2019| access-date = 14 February 2021| archive-date = 1 March 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210301185031/https://www.cicnews.com/2019/08/canada-wants-to-diversify-international-student-intake-0812691.html#gs.swfabo| url-status = live}}{{cite web| url = https://www.rcinet.ca/en/2021/02/02/facing-mounting-debt-laurentian-university-files-for-creditor-protection/| title = Facing mounting debt, Laurentian University files for creditor protection – RCI {{!}} English| date = 2 February 2021| access-date = 14 February 2021| archive-date = 3 February 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210203143750/https://www.rcinet.ca/en/2021/02/02/facing-mounting-debt-laurentian-university-files-for-creditor-protection/| url-status = live}} In a given year it is estimated that around 600,000 international students reside in the country as temporary residents.{{cite web| url = https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/douglas-todd-canadas-foreign-student-policy-needs-public-review-say-experts| title = Douglas Todd: Canada's foreign-student policy needs public review, say experts {{!}} Vancouver Sun| access-date = 2021-01-24| archive-date = 2021-01-25| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210125175423/https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/douglas-todd-canadas-foreign-student-policy-needs-public-review-say-experts| url-status = live}}

In 2019 it was reported that there is a new trend in exploiting the Canadian visa process, where immigrant consultants/lawyers with food franchises, motels, gas stations, and family run businesses collect substantial cash from students and foreign nationals in exchange for supporting them through their permanent resident applications.{{cite news| url = https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-employers-taking-cash-from-foreign-workers-seeking-permanent-resident/| title = Employers taking cash from foreign workers seeking permanent resident status in Canada - The Globe and Mail| website = The Globe and Mail| date = 31 May 2019| last1 = Tomlinson| first1 = Kathy| access-date = 13 February 2021| archive-date = 26 February 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210226005744/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-employers-taking-cash-from-foreign-workers-seeking-permanent-resident/| url-status = live}}{{cite web| url = https://www.trucknews.com/features/once-a-refugee-now-a-social-worker/| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210128154407/https://www.trucknews.com/features/once-a-refugee-now-a-social-worker/| archive-date = 2021-01-28| title = Once a refugee, now a social worker - Truck News}}

Also in 2019, many international students advocated for receiving permanent residence status at the time of their arrival in Canada and

commented that "migrant students should have the same rights, and that means full labour rights, the same fees, and permanent resident status from day one and that's just fair for the money they spend in Canada."{{cite web| url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/international-student-deportation-work-permit-1.5149434| title = Thousands join effort to stop international student from being deported for 'working too hard,' he says {{!}} CBC News| access-date = 2021-01-24| archive-date = 2021-03-05| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210305102307/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/international-student-deportation-work-permit-1.5149434| url-status = live}} One of their objectives are to equalize their tuition fees to the subsidized fees of domestic students. In 2020, international student bodies across Canada once more pleaded for the same rights being faced with the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web| url = https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/ursu-calling-for-permanent-resident-status-for-international-students| title = URSU calling for permanent resident status for international students {{!}} Regina Leader Post| access-date = 2021-01-24| archive-date = 2021-01-31| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210131012548/https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/ursu-calling-for-permanent-resident-status-for-international-students| url-status = live}}

The vast majority of the Canadian public as well as the major political parties support immigration.{{cite book|author1=James Hollifield|author2=Philip Martin|author3=Pia Orrenius|title=Controlling Immigration: A Global Perspective, Third Edition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ys9jBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA11|year=2014|publisher=Stanford University Press|isbn=978-0-8047-8627-0|page=11|access-date=2016-10-15|archive-date=2024-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224105833/https://books.google.com/books?id=Ys9jBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA11|url-status=live}}

In October 2016, the Angus Reid Institute partnered with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) to conduct a study of 'Canadian values.'{{cite web|title=What makes us Canadian? A study of values, beliefs, priorities and identity|url=http://angusreid.org/canada-values/|last=Kurl, Shachi (exec. director)|date=3 October 2016|website=Angus Reid|publisher=The Angus Reid Institute and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|type=public opinion poll|access-date=2016-11-09|archive-date=2016-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107015048/http://angusreid.org/canada-values/|url-status=live}} Survey results would indicate that about 68% of those polled said that they wanted minorities to do more to fit into the mainstream. However, the same number also said that they were nonetheless happy with how immigrants have integrated themselves into the community. Moreover, 79% of Canadians believe immigration policy should be based on the country's economic and labour needs, rather than on the needs of foreigners to escape crises in their home countries.

Canada's finance minister Bill Morneau established the Advisory Council on Economic Growth, which called for a gradual increase in permanent immigration to Canada to 450,000 people a year.{{cite news |title=Influential Liberal advisers want Canadian population to triple by 2100 |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/3020783/influential-liberal-advisers-want-canadian-population-to-triple-by-2100/ |work=Global News |date=October 23, 2016 |access-date=September 25, 2020 |archive-date=September 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927193435/https://globalnews.ca/news/3020783/influential-liberal-advisers-want-canadian-population-to-triple-by-2100/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Galbraith |first1=Nora |title=Population Projections for Canada (2018 to 2068), Provinces and Territories (2018 to 2043): Technical Report on Methodology and Assumptions |url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/91-620-x/2019001/chap05-eng.htm |website=www150.statcan.gc.ca |date=14 August 2019 |publisher=Statistics Canada |access-date=25 September 2020 |archive-date=7 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107051113/https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/91-620-x/2019001/chap05-eng.htm |url-status=live }}

In an analysis of the survey, Angus Reid, himself, wrote that Canadians' commitment to multiculturalism is not increasing and that Canadian attitudes have been affected by the wake of North American and European nationalist movements, due to which certain provinces have even begun to develop colourist preferences. Reid also expressed his discomfort in the effect that an increase in illiterate refugees may have on Canadian society. Nonetheless, he found that the majority of newcomers and refugees feel that they are treated fairly and welcomed as a "Canadian."{{cite web|title=Canadians aren't as accepting as we think — and we can't ignore it, writes Angus Reid|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/angus-reid-poll-canadian-values-immigration-1.3789223|last=Reid|first=Angus|author-link=Angus Reid (entrepreneur)|date=4 October 2016|website=CBC News|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=11 October 2016|archive-date=11 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011233315/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/angus-reid-poll-canadian-values-immigration-1.3789223|url-status=live}}

According to a 2017 poll, 32% of Canadians—up from 30% in 2016—believed that too many refugees were coming to Canada. The poll also asked respondents about their comfortability with surface-level diversity (e.g. around people of a different race), to which 89% said they were comfortable—a number that dropped from 94% in 2005–06.{{cite web|title=Canadian attitudes towards immigration hardening, poll suggests|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2017/11/07/canadian-attitudes-towards-immigration-hardening-poll-suggests.html|last=The Canadian Press|date=7 November 2017|website=Toronto Star|access-date=5 May 2020|archive-date=24 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324013603/https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2017/11/07/canadian-attitudes-towards-immigration-hardening-poll-suggests.html|url-status=live}}

In 2018, an Angus Reid poll found that two-thirds (67%) of Canadians agreed that the situation of illegal immigration to Canada constitutes a "crisis" and that Canada's "ability to handle the situation is at a limit." Among respondents who voted in the 2015 election, 56% of those who voted Liberal and 55% of those who voted NDP agreed that the matter had reached a crisis level—agreed upon with 87% of respondents who voted Conservative in the 2015 election. Six out of ten respondents also told the pollster that Canada is "too generous" towards would-be refugees, a spike of five percentage points since the question was asked the previous year.{{Cite web|title=Most Canadians Say Irregular Border Crossings Are A 'Crisis,' Poll Suggests|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2018/08/03/canada-border-crossings-poll_a_23494958/|last=Maloney|first=Ryan|date=3 August 2018|website=HuffPost Canada|access-date=2019-10-23|archive-date=2020-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331072554/https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2018/08/03/canada-border-crossings-poll_a_23494958/|url-status=live}}Grenier, Éric. 3 August 2018. "[https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/angus-reid-border-poll-1.4771961 Justin Trudeau is losing the argument on border crossings, poll suggests] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231000116/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/angus-reid-border-poll-1.4771961 |date=2018-12-31 }}." CBC News. Toronto: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

EKOS Research Associates, in a 2019 poll, found that about 40% of Canadians feel that there are too many non-white immigrants coming to the country.{{Cite web|title=Increased Polarization on Attitudes to Immigration Reshaping the Political Landscape in Canada|url=http://www.ekospolitics.com/index.php/2019/04/increased-polarization-on-attitudes-to-immigration-reshaping-the-political-landscape-in-canada/|last=EKOS Politics|date=15 October 2019|website=EKOS Politics|publisher=EKOS Research Associates|location=Ottawa|access-date=2019-12-18|archive-date=2019-12-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218163311/http://www.ekospolitics.com/index.php/2019/04/increased-polarization-on-attitudes-to-immigration-reshaping-the-political-landscape-in-canada/|url-status=live}} EKOS expressed this number as demonstrating an increase from those who opposed immigration in previous years, and as an evidence for resurgence of colonial depictions that can lead to racialization of new non-white immigrants.{{Cite web|title=Survey Shows 'Clear' Racial Discrimination On Immigration Issue: Pollster|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2019/04/16/immigration-non-white-immigrants-canada_a_23712911/|last=Maloney|first=Ryan|date=16 April 2019|website=HuffPost Canada|access-date=2019-10-23|archive-date=2019-11-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102172814/https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2019/04/16/immigration-non-white-immigrants-canada_a_23712911/|url-status=live}}Sakamoto, I., Jeyapal, D., Bhuyan, R., Ku, J., Fang, L., Zhang, H., and Genovese, F., “An overview of discourses of skilled immigrants and ‘Canadian experience’: An English-language print media analysis”, Toronto, ON: CERIS – The Ontario Metropolis Centre.

In a 2019 poll by Léger Marketing, 63% of respondents wanted limits to be set on immigration, while 37% said immigration should be expanded. The results would show a split along party lines, as Green and Conservative Party supporters favoured a reduction, while Liberal and NDP supporters favoured the opposite. Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmed Hussen felt that the poll results may be indicative of the concerns of some Canadians about housing shortages and the ability of communities to absorb more people.{{Cite web|title=Poll suggests majority of Canadians favour limiting immigration levels|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadians-favour-limiting-immigration-1.5177814|last=Wright|first=Thersea|date=16 Jun 2019|website=CBC News|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=16 November 2019|archive-date=14 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114084818/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadians-favour-limiting-immigration-1.5177814|url-status=live}}

A Qualtrics poll conducted between 14 August and 12 September 2019 specifically asked about Canadian attitudes towards refugees. The survey found that 36% of respondents thought most people who claim to be refugees were not real refugees, with 34% disagreeing. It also revealed that 32% of respondents believed that Canada should do more to help refugees, with 36% disagreeing. Additionally, the survey indicated that 25% of respondents thought people coming to Canada claiming to be refugees were imposing a severe strain on the welfare system, but most people (50%) disagreed with that statement. Finally, the survey showed that only 21% of respondents believed that being a refugee is a choice and a person’s circumstances aren’t to blame, with a majority of 54% disagreeing. A subsequent analysis found that anti-refugee sentiments persisted more strongly among people with populist attitudes - on both sides of the political spectrum, i.e. left and right.{{cite book |last1=Pruysers |first1=Scott |last2=Schminke |first2=Tobias Gerhard |title=Prejudicial Populists? Evidence from Canada |date=2024 |publisher=De Gruyter |doi=10.1515/9780228020486-015 |isbn=9780228020486 |url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9780228020486-015/html?lang=en |access-date=30 July 2024}}

In a 2020 poll conducted by Nanos Research Group, 17 percent of respondents said an increase to the number of immigrants accepted into the country (compared to 2019) was acceptable, 36 percent said there should be no change, and 40 percent wanted a reduction.{{cite news|url=https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/trudeau-s-plan-to-ramp-up-immigration-falls-flat-with-canadians-1.1518817|title=Trudeau's plan to ramp up immigration falls flat with Canadians|last1=Bolongaro|first1=Kait|last2=Hagan|first2=Shelly|publisher=BNN Bloomberg|date=6 November 2020|access-date=2 March 2021|archive-date=4 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304001014/https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/trudeau-s-plan-to-ramp-up-immigration-falls-flat-with-canadians-1.1518817|url-status=live}} Rima Wilkes, a University of British Columbia professor raised a question about why consultation with First Nations is not made for shaping immigration policies while in almost every aspect there is one when it comes to sharing of unceded land and water resources.{{Cite web|last=Todd|first=Douglas|title=What do Indigenous voices say about immigration?|url=https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/douglas-todd-what-do-indigenous-voices-say-about-immigration|access-date=|website=vancouversun|language=en-CA|archive-date=2021-12-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207092422/https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/douglas-todd-what-do-indigenous-voices-say-about-immigration|url-status=live}} Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) data in 2020 shows that there were 12,122 deportations and out of them 1,657 were administrative removals.{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canada-deported-thousands-of-people-in-2020-even-as-pandemic-raged/|title=Canada deported thousands of people in 2020 even as pandemic raged, data show|access-date=2021-01-25|archive-date=2021-01-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125111602/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canada-deported-thousands-of-people-in-2020-even-as-pandemic-raged/|url-status=live}}

Federal public servants warned the government that high immigration is putting pressure "on health care and affordable housing."

Polls showed that Canadians are increasingly concerned about the pressure high immigration is putting on housing, services and infrastructure.{{cite news |title=Ottawa warned about impact of high immigration on housing in 2022: documents |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10218390/immigration-housing-canada-ircc/ |work=Global News |date=January 11, 2024}} In a 2023 poll by Léger Marketing, of the 1,529 respondents 9% said immigration should be expanded, 43% said it should not change, and 39% that it should be contracted.{{Cite web |last=Anthony |first=Jason |date=2023-11-29 |title=Immigration in Canada |url=https://leger360.com/immigration-in-canada/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628104143/https://leger360.com/immigration-in-canada/ |archive-date=2024-06-28 |access-date=2024-06-28 |website=Leger |language=en-ca}}{{cite news |title=Statistics Canada reports record population growth, more than 430,000 in Q3 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-record-population-growth-1.7063692 |work=CBC |date=December 19, 2023}}

In March 2024, Canada announced its plans to reduce the number of temporary immigrants by 20% over the next three years, decreasing their population from the current 6.2% to 5%. Canadas plans to cut the number of temporary residents will likely slow down inflation and economic growth and is expected to cut the country's population growth rate in half.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-24 |title=Canada plans to reduce temporary residents: Changes you need to know |url=https://gulfnews.com/business/tourism/canada-plans-to-reduce-temporary-residents-changes-you-need-to-know-1.1711268493120 |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=gulfnews.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |title=Canada's Economy to Slow With New Limits on Temporary Migrants |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-22/temporary-resident-limits-are-poised-to-slow-canada-s-economy |access-date=2024-03-24 |newspaper=Bloomberg|date=22 March 2024 }}{{Cite news |title=Canada Reduces Immigration Targets |url=https://www.jeewaconsulting.com/canada-reduces-immigration-targets-for-the-first-time/ |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=jeewaconsulting.com|date=24 October 2024 }}

Anti-immigration sentiment is reported as rising and the immigration rate is viewed as problematic.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-16 |title=Negative sentiment towards immigrants in Canada is on the rise – ACS Metropolis |url=https://acs-metropolis.ca/studies/negative-sentiment-towards-immigrants-in-canada-is-on-the-rise/ |access-date= |language=en-CA}}{{Cite web |date=2024-10-17 |title=Canadian public opinion about immigration and refugees - Fall 2024 |url=https://www.environicsinstitute.org/projects/project-details/canadian-public-opinion-about-immigration-and-refugees---fall-2024 |access-date= |website=Environics Institute |language=en}} However, proponents of Century Initiative claim it is lower than in any other country of the Group of Seven and the actual immigration rate is higher.{{cite web |last1=Coyne |first1=Andrew |title=In a country where immigrants are the majority, anti-immigration politics are obsolete |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-in-a-country-where-immigrants-are-the-majority-anti-immigration/ |website=The Globe and Mail |access-date=24 November 2024 |date=28 June 2024 |quote=Canadians do not oppose immigration, on the whole, because larger and larger numbers of Canadians are immigrants, or know people who are.}}

{{main|History of British nationality law}}

The word 'Canadian' as a term of nationality or citizenship was first used under the Immigration Act, 1910, to designate those British subjects who were domiciled in Canada, whereas all other British subjects required permission to land. A separate status of "Canadian national" was created under the Canadian Nationals Act, 1921, which would broaden the definition of 'Canadian' to include such citizen's wife and children (fathered by the citizen) who had not yet landed in Canada. After the passage of the Statute of Westminster in 1931, the monarchy ceased to be an exclusively British institution. Thus, Canadians—as well as all others living among what is known today as the Commonwealth realms—were regarded as subjects of the Crown. However, in legal documents, the term 'British subject' continued to be used, hence 'Canadians' were still, officially, British subjects born or regularly domiciled in Canada.{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}

In 1946 Canada was the first nation in the then-British Commonwealth to establish its own nationality law, with the enactment of the Canadian Citizenship Act, 1946, taking effect on 1 January 1947. In order to be deemed a Canadian citizen, one generally had to be a British subject on the date that the Act took effect, or had been admitted to Canada as landed immigrants before that date. First Nations people were later included by amendment in 1956. The phrase 'British subject' referred generally to anyone from the United Kingdom, its colonies at the time, or a Commonwealth country. Acquisition and loss of British-subject status before 1947 was determined by British law.{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}

Many of the provisions to acquire or lose Canadian citizenship that existed under the 1946 legislation were repealed, whereby Canadian citizens generally would no longer be subject to involuntary loss of citizenship, barring revocation on the grounds of immigration fraud. On 15 February 1977, Canada removed restrictions on dual citizenship.

Canada offers Canadian citizenship through naturalization. In 2006, the Canadian government reduced the landing fee per immigrant by 50%.[http://pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=1159 Promoting opportunity for new Canadians – Prime Minister of Canada] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060914141044/http://pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=1159 |date=2006-09-14 }}. Pm.gc.ca (2006-05-12). Retrieved on 2013-07-12.

In June 2017, the implementation of the first of a series of important reforms to the Citizenship Act took effect. These reforms restored many of the previous requirements that were in place for over 3 decades in Canada before they were removed and replaced with more stringent criteria by the former Conservative government in 2015. The most important of these changes include:{{cite web|title=Canada: Canada Citizenship Reform: A Comparative Analysis|url=http://www.mondaq.com/canada/x/404800/general+immigration/Canada+Citizenship+Reform+A+Comparative+Analysis|author=Colin Singer|date=June 15, 2015|publisher=CCIRC (Canadian Citizenship & Immigration Resource Centre)|access-date=December 26, 2015|archive-date=July 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711042425/http://www.mondaq.com/canada/x/404800/general+immigration/Canada+Citizenship+Reform+A+Comparative+Analysis|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Canadian Citizenship: Second Wave Of Changes Take Effect October 11, 2017 (Includes Audio) – Immigration – Canada|url=http://www.mondaq.com/canada/x/634656/work+visas/Canadian+Citizenship+Second+Wave+Of+Changes+Take+Effect+October+11+2017+Includes+Audio|website=Mondaq.com|access-date=2018-02-14|archive-date=2018-02-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215023624/http://www.mondaq.com/canada/x/634656/work+visas/Canadian+Citizenship+Second+Wave+Of+Changes+Take+Effect+October+11+2017+Includes+Audio|url-status=live}}

• The requirement of permanent residence for 3 out of 5 years during the period immediately prior to filing the application.
• Removal of a physical presence rule.
• Persons aged 14 to 54 years must pass a Canadian knowledge test and demonstrate a basic ability in either of English or French, Canada's official languages.
• Revocation of citizenship must follow a more formal and balanced process.

{{More citations needed section|date=May 2020}}

While emigration from Canada to the United States has historically exceeded immigration, there have been short periods in which the reverse was true, such as:

• during the American Revolution, with the migration of Loyalist refugees;
• during the various gold rushes of British Columbia, and the later Klondike Gold Rush, which saw many American prospectors inhabiting B.C. and the Yukon;
• in the early 20th century, when land settlers moved from the Northern Plains to the Prairies

Immigration has always been offset by emigration: at times this was of great concerns of governments intent on filling up the country, particularly the western provinces. The United States was overall the primary destination followed by reverse migration. As a result, the population of Canada at Confederation (1867) was 3.75 million, or 10% of the US population, an average that maintained from about 1830 to 1870. This number would drop to 6% by 1900 due to large emigration to the US, despite large-scale immigration to Canada. Emigration to the US was only 370,000 in the 1870s; averaged a million a decade from 1880 to 1910; almost 750,000 from 1911 to 1920 and 1.25 million from 1921 to 1930. They consisted of both native-born Canadians and recent immigrants from various, mostly European nations. Between 1945 and 1965, emigration to the US averaged 40–45,000 annually. It was not until 1960 that the population of Canada reached the 10% mark again, or 18 million.

As of 2017, with over 35 million people, Canada has 10.8% of the population of its southern neighbour. In times of economic difficulty, Canadian governments frequently resorted to deportation and coerced "voluntary" deportation to thin out ranks of unemployed workers. However, by the time of the administration of Mackenzie King, it was realized that this was an improvident short-term solution that would result in future labour shortages (that immigration was initially intended to overcome).{{Cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/mackenzie-king-and-the-war-effort/|title=Mackenzie King and the War Effort|last=Cook|first=Tim|encyclopedia=The Canadian Encyclopedia|access-date=2018-02-14|language=en|archive-date=2018-02-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215023551/http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/mackenzie-king-and-the-war-effort/|url-status=live}}

According to a study conducted by the Conference Board of Canada, each year, about 1% of permanent residents leave Canada. The number of immigrants leaving the country has been rising since the 1990s.{{cite news|url=https://financialpost.com/news/economy/record-spike-immigrants-leaving-canada|work=Financial Post]|title='Record spike' in number of immigrants leaving Canada in recent years, study says|first=Naimul|last=Karim|date=Oct 31, 2023|access-date=November 2, 2023|archive-date=November 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101002456/https://financialpost.com/news/economy/record-spike-immigrants-leaving-canada|url-status=live}} Over 25 years, more than 20% of an arrival cohort of immigrants has left Canada. The main reasons to leave are housing affordability, a strained health-care system and underemployment. The share of permanent residents who become citizens within 10 years of arrival dropped by 40% between 2001 and 2021.{{Cite news |date=2023-10-31 |title=Immigrants Are Leaving Canada at Faster Pace, Study Shows |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-31/immigrants-are-leaving-canada-at-faster-pace-study-shows |access-date=2023-11-02 |archive-date=2023-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101084906/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-31/immigrants-are-leaving-canada-at-faster-pace-study-shows |url-status=live }}

In current Canadian law, immigrants are distinguished by four categories:

1. Family: persons closely related to one or more Canadian residents who live in Canada.{{Efn-ua|The "family" category can be subdivided into (a) spouse, partner, and children; (b) parents and grandparents; and (c) other (includes "orphaned – brother, sister, nephew, niece and grandchild, and other relatives").}}
2. Economic: skilled workers, caregivers, or business persons.
3. Protected person or Refugee: persons who are escaping persecution, torture, and/or cruel and unusual punishment.{{Efn-ua|The "Protected Persons and Refugees" category can be subdivided into: (a) Protected Persons in Canada and Dependants Abroad; (b) [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-outside-canada/government-assisted-refugee-program.html Government-Assisted Refugees] ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421071857/https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-outside-canada/government-assisted-refugee-program.html |date=2020-04-21 }}) (GARs); (c) [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-outside-canada/private-sponsorship-program/blended-visa-office-program.html Blended Visa Office-Referred Refugees] ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421064653/https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-outside-canada/private-sponsorship-program/blended-visa-office-program.html |date=2020-04-21 }}); and (d) Privately Sponsored Refugees.}}
4. Humanitarian or other: persons accepted as immigrants for humanitarian or compassionate reasons.

In March 2019, the Canadian Government announced its Francophone Immigration Strategy as an initiative to increase immigration outside of Quebec for French-speaking individuals in all admission categories.

In 2010, Canada accepted 280,681 immigrants (permanent and temporary) of which 186,913 (67%) were Economic immigrants; 60,220 (22%) were Family class; 24,696 (9%) were Refugees; and 8,845 (2%) were others through working holidays, internships, and studies.CIC. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20111122052956/http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/statistics/facts2010/permanent/01.asp Facts and figures 2010 – Immigration overview: Permanent and temporary residents]." Citizenship & Immigration Canada. Ottawa: Government of Canada. Archived from the "[http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/statistics/facts2010/permanent/01.asp original]" 2011-11-22. Retrieved 17 November 2011.[http://moving2canada.com/immigration-to-canada/working-holiday-visa-in-canada/ Moving2Canada Working Holiday Visa in Canada guide] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329162824/http://moving2canada.com/immigration-to-canada/working-holiday-visa-in-canada/ |date=2016-03-29 }} retrieved March 24, 2016 In 2019, with 341,180 admissions, Canada achieved its highest level of permanent resident admissions in recent history.

The Economic Immigration Class is the largest source of permanent resident admissions in Canada. In 2019, 196,658 individuals were admitted to Canada under the Economic Class, making up approximately 58% of all admissions that year, and a 5.5% increase from 2018. This represents a record-high number of admissions under this category.

IRCC uses several sub-categories of economic immigrants, including skilled workers, under the following classes:

The basic immigration programs that offer permanent admission to Canada to those who are skilled include:

• Quebec skilled worker;{{Cite web|title=Immigrate as a Quebec-selected skilled worker – Canada.ca|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/quebec-skilled-workers.html|last=Canada|first=IRCC|date=31 March 2007|website=Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada|publisher=[Government of Canada|access-date=2018-03-19|archive-date=2018-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324094055/https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/quebec-skilled-workers.html|url-status=live}}
• Federal skilled trades
• Federal skilled worker

The immigration programs that offer permanent admission to onshore, temporary residents (or who once were) include:

• Canadian experience class: the process is applicable to only those who have a Canadian Experience, they are eligible to apply to any immigration programs through submitting an online profile to the Express Entry pool. The highest ranked candidates are then invited to apply for permanent residence{{Cite web|title=Who can apply – Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/become-candidate/eligibility/canadian-experience-class.html|last=IRCC|date=17 September 2008|website=Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada|publisher=Government of Canada|access-date=2018-03-19|archive-date=2018-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319151448/https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/become-candidate/eligibility/canadian-experience-class.html|url-status=live}}
• Provincial Nominee Program/class (PNP)
• Rural and Northern Immigration Program (RNIP)
• Regional Immigration Pilot Program (RIPP)
• Municipal Nominee Immigration Program (MNIP)
• Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)
• Yukon Community Pilot

The refugee immigration programs that offer permanent admission to Canada include:

• Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP): for displaced persons

The business immigration programs that offer permanent admission to Canada include:

• Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)
• Quebec Entrepreneur Program
• Quebec Self-Employed
• Federal Start-Up Visa program{{Cite web |date=2023-08-10 |title=Start-up Visa Program |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/start-visa.html |access-date= |website=www.canada.ca |archive-date=2024-01-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125053204/https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/start-visa.html |url-status=live }}

On May 1, 2014, the Federal Skilled Worker Class accepted 25,000 applicants with intake caps at 1,000 per category. A New Economic Action Plan 2015 took effect in January 2015, in which the skilled worker program shifted away from the more need-based program per labor market demands. The list of accepted occupations for 2014 included occupations such as senior managers, accountants, physicians and medical professionals, professionals in marketing and advertising, real estate professionals and others.[https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive/2014/04/offering-express-entry-qualified-economic-immigrants.html Offering "Express Entry" to Qualified Economic Immigrants – Actively Recruiting Talented Newcomers For the Benefit of Canada's Economy. (Archived)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702062223/https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive/2014/04/offering-express-entry-qualified-economic-immigrants.html |date=2020-07-02 }} Government of Canada, April 8, 2014.

A candidate's eligibility for Federal Skilled Worker category was assessed based on six selection factor points and scored on a scale of 100. The required pass mark was 67 points.{{Cite web|last=Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada|title=Six selection factors – Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/federal-skilled-workers/six-selection-factors-federal-skilled-workers.html|access-date=2020-10-08|website=www.canada.ca|date=31 March 2007|language=en|archive-date=2020-10-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009220946/https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/federal-skilled-workers/six-selection-factors-federal-skilled-workers.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Selection Factor Points Calculator|url=https://www.immiboards.com/selection-factor-points-calculator/|access-date=2020-10-08|website=Immiboards.com|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020005056/https://www.immiboards.com/selection-factor-points-calculator/|url-status=live}}

Six Selection Factor Points:

• Language skills points
• Education points
• Work experience points
• Age points
• Arranged employment in Canada points
• Adaptability points

The changes in 2015 moved permanent residency in Canada away from the "first come, first served" model, which prioritized meeting economic needs. The new reforms aimed to attract permanent residents to increase Canada's tax revenue. This new system, known as "Express Entry," allows individuals from any background to immigrate or obtain permanent residency, regardless of Canada's occupations in demand. Applicants need only meet a lottery-like score range, which varies widely depending on the revenue and partisan-driven policy requirements of the period.{{Cite web|title=Immigrate to Canada with Express Entry|url=https://www.immiboards.com/express-entry-canada/|access-date=2020-10-08|website=Immiboards.com|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121212433/https://www.immiboards.com/express-entry-canada/|url-status=live}}

Alberta's Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP),{{cite web|url=https://www.alberta.ca/ainp.aspx|title=Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)|access-date=2018-11-18|archive-date=2022-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102023537/https://www.alberta.ca/ainp.aspx|url-status=live}} in particular, allows skilled workers, along with their families, to make application for permanent residency, and several large Alberta employers with operations in rural areas actively recruit employees from abroad and support them and their families in seeking permanent residency.

Canada announced a new immigration quota of 1.2 million for 2021-2023, with targets of 401,000 new permanent residents in year 2021, 411,000 in 2022 and 421,000 in 2023.{{Cite web|url = https://www.cicnews.com/2020/10/canada-to-release-2021-2023-immigration-levels-plan-1016133.html#gs.rj9zpn|title = Canada to target over 400,000 immigrants per year | Canada Immigration News|date = 30 October 2020|access-date = 24 January 2021|archive-date = 29 January 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210129183223/https://www.cicnews.com/2020/10/canada-to-release-2021-2023-immigration-levels-plan-1016133.html#gs.rj9zpn|url-status = live}}

In an effort to meet the 2021 target of required immigrants, on April 14, 2021 Canada created a new immigration pathway to permanent residency for essential workers and international graduates already in Canada. Temporary workers with at least one year of Canadian work experience in a health-care profession or another pre-approved "essential worker" occupation, and international students who graduated from a Canadian institution in 2017 or later were eligible. The maximum numbers of immigrants under this program are 20,000 temporary workers in health care,

30,000 temporary workers in other selected essential occupations, and 40,000 international students.{{Cite web|last=Immigration|first=Refugees and Citizenship Canada|date=2021-04-14|title=Temporary public policy to facilitate the granting of permanent residence for foreign nationals in Canada, outside of Quebec, with a recent credential from a Canadian post-secondary institution|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/trpr-international-graduates.html|access-date=2021-05-17|website=aem|archive-date=2021-05-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508234355/https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/trpr-international-graduates.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Immigration|first=Refugees and Citizenship Canada|date=2021-04-14|title=New pathway to permanent residency for over 90,000 essential temporary workers and international graduates|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2021/04/new-pathway-to-permanent-residency-for-over-90000-essential-temporary-workers-and-international-graduates.html|access-date=2021-05-17|website=gcnws|archive-date=2021-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518111345/https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2021/04/new-pathway-to-permanent-residency-for-over-90000-essential-temporary-workers-and-international-graduates.html|url-status=live}}

This program grants Canadian permanent residence to qualified entrepreneurs wishing to establish their start-up business in Canada. Successful candidates must get the support of one or more of the designated organizations: Venture capital funds, Angel investor groups, Business incubators.{{Cite web |last=Immigration |first=Refugees and Citizenship Canada |date=2013-03-28 |title=List of designated organizations – start up visa |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/start-visa/designated-organizations.html |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=www.canada.ca |archive-date=2019-04-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414230704/https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/start-visa/designated-organizations.html |url-status=live }}

Applicants must also supply proof of sufficient settlement funds to apply for the program.{{Cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/start-visa/eligibility.html#money |title=Immigrate with a start-up visa: Who can apply |website=Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada |date=28 March 2013 |access-date=2022-07-29 |language=en-CA |archive-date=2022-07-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729102436/https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/start-visa/eligibility.html#money |url-status=live }}

Individuals with a certain net worth can also apply for permanent residence via certain programs.{{Cite web|title=Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Pilot Program|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/immigrant-investor-venture-capital.html|last=IRCC|date=December 2017|website=Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada|publisher=Government of Canada|access-date=2018-03-19|archive-date=2018-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324132603/https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/immigrant-investor-venture-capital.html|url-status=live}} For business owners and investor immigrants who do not fit into the Start-Up business class or Quebec Provincial programs, there is a Federal Owner Operator LMIA pathway that if executed correctly can lead to permanent admission to Canada.{{cite web |last1=McKinsley |first1=Sean |title=Owner Operator Investment LMIA Stream: Opportunities for Businesses & Entrepreneurs |url=https://civs.ca/investor-immigration/ |website=Canada Immigration & Visa Services |access-date=17 May 2019 |archive-date=17 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517183729/https://civs.ca/investor-immigration/ |url-status=live }}

Canada revoked most of the poorly monitored business-class programs, like the VIP Business Immigration Program which allowed immigrants with sufficient business experience or management experience to receive the Permanent Residency to start businesses in a shorter period than other types of immigration in 2014 and replaced the program with start-up visa.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2014-02-11 |title=Terminating the Federal Immigrant Investor and Entrepreneur Programs |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive/2014/02/terminating-federal-immigrant-investor-entrepreneur-programs.html |access-date= |website=www.canada.ca |archive-date=2024-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224110742/https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive/2014/02/terminating-federal-immigrant-investor-entrepreneur-programs.html |url-status=live }} Daniel Hiebert, a former professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), discovered that many entrepreneurs who initiated businesses through the old start-up program ceased operations after two years. These individuals met the minimum criteria for obtaining permanent resident status and subsequently let go of their businesses without having their status revoked. Hiebert revealed that they entered business-class programs with the primary goal of retiring and enjoying a comfortable lifestyle. They purchased expensive homes in urban areas to benefit from low mortgage rates and reduced income taxes that Canada offers. An added advantage for many was their children were able to attend at top-tier Canadian Universities at domestic tuition rates.{{Cite web |last=Todd |first=D. |date=2024-01-18 |title=Ottawa insider warns about immigrant-investor schemes |url=https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/douglas-todd-ottawa-insider-warns-about-immigrant-investor-schemes |website=Vancouver Sun |access-date=2024-02-11 |archive-date=2024-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224110513/https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/douglas-todd-ottawa-insider-warns-about-immigrant-investor-schemes |url-status=live }}

The government has increased the number of participants in the Start-Up Visa program annually since 2022. In that year, it provided 1,000 spots. In 2023, the program expanded to accommodate 3,500 individuals. The projected intake for 2024 is 5,000 participants, followed by an increase to 6,000 in 2025.

{{See also|Humanitarian Crisis of Family Reunification in Quebec}}

Both citizens and permanent residents may sponsor family members to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents, under the requirement that the sponsor is able to accept financial responsibility for the individual for a given period of time.

In 2019, 91,311 individuals were admitted under the Family Reunification category, which is a 7.2% increase from 2018 and a record high. Also that year, 80% of parent and grandparent applications were processed within 19 months, an improvement from 72 months in 2017.

Canada also grants permanent residency based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds on a case-by-case basis, or certain public policy considerations under exceptional circumstances. In 2019, there were 4,681 permanent residents admitted through these streams.

{{Further|Canadian immigration and refugee law|label1=Canadian refugee law}}

Each year, IRCC facilitates the admission of a targeted number of permanent residents under the refugee resettlement category. Under Canadian nationality law, an immigrant can apply for citizenship after living in Canada for 1095 days (3 years) in any five-year period provided that they lived in Canada as a permanent resident for at least two of those years.{{cite web|title=Residence Calculator|url=https://eservicesak.cic.gc.ca/rescalc/resCalcStartNew.do?&lang=en|last=CIC|date=2010|website=Citizenship and Immigration Canada|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103232452/https://eservicesak.cic.gc.ca/rescalc/resCalcStartNew.do?&lang=en|archive-date=2012-01-03|access-date=2011-11-19}} Opposition parties have advocated for providing one-year free residency permits for refugees as an opportunity to increase their living standards until they are ready to migrate back to their home countries, rather than uprooting them from their heritage and culture in forms of relief.{{cite news|last=Markusoff|first=Jason|date=10 Jan 2018|title=Canada's failing refugee system is leaving thousands in limbo|work=Maclean's|url=https://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/canadas-refugee-system-is-in-chaos/|access-date=24 July 2018|archive-date=25 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725153910/https://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/canadas-refugee-system-is-in-chaos/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|author=Harris|first=Kathleen|date=21 January 2018|title=Less than half the people deported from Canada in 2017 paid their own way home|work=CBC News|publisher=CBC/Radio-Canada|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/deportation-cbsa-refugee-assistance-1.4493727|access-date=24 July 2018|archive-date=24 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724193844/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/deportation-cbsa-refugee-assistance-1.4493727|url-status=live}}

The CBSA is responsible for administering persons who enter Canada through its designated ports of entry (POE); the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are responsible for those who enter Canada unlawfully, i.e., enter between designated POEs."[https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/asylum-claims/asylum-claims-2020.html Asylum claims by year – 2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116112537/https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/asylum-claims/asylum-claims-2020.html |date=2021-01-16 }}." Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. 2020 December 21.

A person who is seeking asylum in Canada must be first considered eligible by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).{{Cite web|last=IRCC|title=Find out if you're eligible – Refugee status from inside Canada|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/claim-protection-inside-canada/eligibility.html|access-date=2018-04-04|website=Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada|date=31 March 2007|publisher=Government of Canada|archive-date=2018-04-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422062905/https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/claim-protection-inside-canada/eligibility.html|url-status=live}} The IRB classifies eligible refugees into two separate categories:

• Convention Refugees: Someone who is outside and unable to return to their home country due to a fear of persecution based on several factors including race, religion, and political opinion. (This is outlined by the United Nations' multilateral treaty, Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.)
• Protected Persons: Claims for asylum under this category are usually made at a point of entry into Canada. Those claiming to be a person in need of protection must be unable to return to their home country safely because they would be subjected to a danger of torture, risk for their life, or risk of cruel and unusual treatment.

File:Tents for asylum seeker processing on Canadian side of Roxham Road border.jpg.|alt=A group of small peaked-roofed white tents on a gravel road in a wooded area under a blue sky with clouds. In front of them are three cement blocks and three roads signs, two of which are diamond shaped with unfinished metal facing the camera, while the third, on the left, reads "Accés interdit aux piétons – No pedestrians". In front of the tent and on the right a man wearing a blue shirt and darker blue pants sits on a folding chair]]Individuals can make an asylum claim in Canada at a port of entry, at a CBSA inland office or an IRCC inland office. CBSA or IRCC officials will then determine if an individual is eligible to make an asylum claim.

After entry, an interview for eligibility is conducted to deem whether the asylum seeker is allowed or declined admission into Canada. Those who are admitted submit their reasons for admissibility, in writing. The IRB hears their case after 60 days; in favorable terms, the claimants are accepted as refugees.{{cite news|last=Bellemare|first=Andrea|date=25 August 2017|title=How asylum seekers make refugee claims, and why they take so long|work=CBC News|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/asylum-seekers-refugee-claims-delays-1.4261881|access-date=3 July 2018|archive-date=1 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701220730/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/asylum-seekers-refugee-claims-delays-1.4261881|url-status=live}} If the claims are not deemed appropriate by the interviewer, the asylum seeker may be deported.

According to the Canadian government, anyone can make a claim for refugee protection once they are physically present in Canada, regardless of how they arrived in the country. This includes those who have entered Canada without proper documentation or who have overstayed their visas. Asylum seekers can make a claim at a port of entry, such as an airport or border crossing, or at an inland office of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).{{Cite web |last=Branch |first=Legislative Services |date=2022-12-15 |title=Consolidated federal laws of Canada, Immigration and Refugee Protection Act |url=https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/i-2.5/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=laws-lois.justice.gc.ca |archive-date=2023-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305050654/https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/i-2.5/ |url-status=live }} It is important to note that claiming asylum in Canada can be a complex and lengthy process, and there are many factors that can affect an individual's chances of success. For example, the availability of evidence to support the individual's claim, the individual's ability to communicate effectively in English or French, and the political climate in their home country can all have an impact on the outcome of the asylum claim.{{Cite journal |last=Marshall |first=Barbara |year=2000 |title=Closer integration or re-nationalization? Recent trends in EU migration and asylum policies: The case of Germany |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07036330008429093 |journal=Journal of European Integration |volume=22 |issue=4 |pages=409–432 |doi=10.1080/07036330008429093 |s2cid=154945031 |issn=0703-6337 |access-date=2023-03-05 |archive-date=2024-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224110450/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07036330008429093 |url-status=live }}

There are many instances in which claims have been deemed ineligible for referral to the IRB, notably those by migrants who seek entry into Canada through the United States, where the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) is applied. The STCA dictates persons seeking asylum must make their claim in the first country in which they arrive—either the US or Canada—unless they qualify for an exception. Therefore, if an asylum seeker were to enter the US (as a non-U.S. citizen), make their way to the Canada–U.S. land border, and then attempt to enter Canada with a claim for asylum, they would be denied entry under the STCA. The Agreement is responsible for limiting refugee eligibility to enter Canada and the rejection of several hundred claims a year since its implementation.{{Cite journal|last=Arbel|first=Efrat|date=2013-03-01|title=Shifting Borders and the Boundaries of Rights: Examining the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the United States|journal=International Journal of Refugee Law|language=en|volume=25|issue=1|pages=65–86|doi=10.1093/ijrl/eet002|issn=0953-8186|url=https://commons.allard.ubc.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1018&context=fac_pubs|access-date=2019-11-02|archive-date=2021-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308010304/https://commons.allard.ubc.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1018&context=fac_pubs|url-status=live}} The CBSA reported that 6,000–14,000 claims were made before the implementation of the STCA, and dropped to an average of 4,000 claims per year after its implementation.{{Cite journal|last1=Marwah|first1=Sonal|last2=Ball|first2=Michelle|date=Autumn 2017|title=Is the Safe Third Country Agreement putting refugee claimants at risk?|journal=Ploughshares Monitor|volume=38|issue=3|pages=5–9}}

Asylum claimants have been subjected to "indirect refoulment", a consequence of a person's claim in Canada being refused under the STCA, subjecting them to deportation to the destination in which the person was originally seeking asylum from, due to more conservative immigration and refugee policies in the U.S.{{Cite journal|last=Foster|first=Michelle|date=Fall 2008|title=Responsibility Sharing or Shifting? "Safe" Third Countries and International Law|journal=Refuge|volume=25|issue=2|pages=64–78|doi=10.25071/1920-7336.26032|doi-access=free}}

The IRCC provides support for protected persons and their dependants, whereby protected persons are defined as asylum claimants who are granted protected status by Canada. In 2019, 18,443 individuals obtained permanent residence under the protected persons in Canada and dependents abroad category.

As part of the passing of Bill C-31 in December 2012, asylum seekers arriving at a point of entry on the Canada–United States border have been subject to incarceration and detention.{{Cite journal|last=Dawson|first=Carrie|title=Refugee Hotels: The Discourse of Hospitality and the Rise of Immigration Detention in Canada|journal=University of Toronto Quarterly|language=en|volume=83|issue=4|pages=826–846|doi=10.3138/utq.83.4.826|year=2014|s2cid=161756804}} Claimants are subject to detention for failing to provide sufficient identification documents, which is in violation with the United Nations Refugee Convention, to which Canada is a signatory. In 2010–2011, Canada detained 8,838 people, of which 4,151 of them were asylum seekers or rejected refugee claimants.{{Cite journal|last1=Silverman|first1=Stephanie J.|last2=Molnar|first2=Petra|date=2016-03-01|title=Everyday Injustices: Barriers to Access to Justice for Immigration Detainees in Canada|journal=Refugee Survey Quarterly|language=en|volume=35|issue=1|pages=109–127|doi=10.1093/rsq/hdv016|issn=1020-4067}} There is a requirement to the maximum time limit spent in detention upon being released, a situation which has been subject to criticism held in contrast to areas in Europe: Ireland (30 days), France (32 days), Spain (40 days), and Italy (60 days).

The IRCC funds several programs that provide supports and services to resettled refugees.

The Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program is an initiative whereby refugees may resettle in Canada with support and funding from private or joint government-private sponsorship.{{Cite web|title=Guide to the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/guide-private-sponsorship-refugees-program/section-2.html#a2.5|last=IRCC|date=November 2003|website=Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada|publisher=Government of Canada|access-date=2018-03-30|archive-date=2018-03-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310050801/https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/guide-private-sponsorship-refugees-program/section-2.html#a2.5|url-status=live}} Established under Operation Lifeline in 1978,Zifi, J. (2016). "[http://carfms.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/CARFMS-WPS-No8-Jona-Zyfi.pdf Syrian refugee resettlement in Canada: an auto-ethnographic account of sponsorship] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126085734/https://carfms.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/CARFMS-WPS-No8-Jona-Zyfi.pdf |date=2021-01-26 }}." Canadian Association for Refugee and Forced Migration Studies. University of Toronto. Retrieved 29 March 2018. the program has since resettled and provided support for over 200,000 refugees{{Cite web|title=About refugees and Canada's response|url=http://ccrweb.ca/en/refugee-facts|website=Canadian Council for Refugees|access-date=2018-03-30|archive-date=2018-03-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330234215/http://ccrweb.ca/en/refugee-facts|url-status=live}} under various initiatives and with fluctuating annual intakes.{{Cite journal|last=Labman|first=Shauna|date=2016|title=Private Sponsorship: Complementary or Conflicting Interests?|journal=Refuge|volume=32|issue=2|pages=67–80|doi=10.25071/1920-7336.40266|doi-access=free}}

Pre-departure services backed by IRCC include Canadian Orientation Abroad training and coverage for certain medical services received prior to arriving in Canada. All resettled refugees in Canada receive temporary health care coverage; the IRCC, along with civil-society and sponsorship organizations, also provide:

• income support
• immediate and essential supports and services upon arrival (e.g., housing)
• assistance in securing housing
• settlement services, including language training
• Other refugee-support programs

Individuals can make an asylum claim in Canada at a port of entry, at a CBSA inland office or an IRCC inland office. CBSA or IRCC officials will then determine if an individual is eligible to make an asylum claim.

In March 2019, the Canadian Government announced its Francophone Immigration Strategy purposed to achieve a target of 4.4% of French-speaking immigrants of all admissions, outside of Quebec, by 2023.

The strategy's Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative provides $12.6 million to 14 selected communities (2020 to 2023) for projects to support and welcome French-speaking newcomers. In 2019, IRCC's Settlement Program launched new official-language training services for French-speaking newcomers who settle in Francophone communities outside of Quebec. Seven organizations were selected to receive up to $7.6 million over 4 years.

In the Canadian context, Augie Fleras, a sociology professor at the University of Waterloo, explains that immigration is predicated on the social contract Canada offers to address the fears and desires of immigrants regarding social mobility, stability, and self-worth in exchange for their talent and time. The Canadian standard route for immigration assesses their abilities through a point system to issue an invitation letter seeking their services, identified as an extension of the social contract with immigrants that is assumed to take effect upon their arrival in Canada. Fleras notes that for Canada to honor this social contract, it must genuinely require immigrants' services, have established systems of fairness and opportunity, enacted policies and laws to dismantle discriminatory and gatekeeping barriers, and removed obstacles hindering productive participation in the economy and community, among others.{{Cite book |last=Fleras |first=Augie |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lf-lBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA272 |title=Immigration Canada: Evolving Realities and Emerging Challenges in a Postnational World |date=2014-12-05 |publisher=UBC Press |isbn=978-0-7748-2682-2 |pages=272+ |language=en}} However, Fleras also observes that Canada has historically failed to deliver on these expectations, with some critics of the Harper government noting that even protocols were established to “foster a citizenship of fear” during the period, rather than fostering a reciprocal relationship of citizenship.{{Cite web |last=McDonald |first=Marci |date=2014-05-28 |title=Is Jason Kenney Too Extreme for the Conservatives? |url=https://thewalrus.ca/true-blue/ |website=The Walrus |language=en-US}} In 2023, a study revealed that economic immigrants who have chosen Canada as their home are increasingly opting not to stay, largely due to Canada’s failure to fulfill its promises. The study labeled the immigration system a "leaky bucket" and identified this as a serious threat to Canada’s prosperity. It also highlighted that part of the problem stems from an obsolete perception that welcoming new Canadians is an act of generosity rather than a strategic ambition—a viewpoint that has significantly shaped many systemic structures and immigrant touchpoints.{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Stuart |date=31 October 2023 |title=Canada's immigration system a 'leaky bucket,' says Institute for Canadian Citizenship CEO |url=https://www.hilltimes.com/story/2023/10/31/canadas-immigration-system-a-leaky-bucket-says-institute-for-canadian-citizenship-ceo/401601/ |website=The Hill Times |language=en-CA}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.cpac.ca/headline-politics/episode/report-highlights-exodus-of-economic-immigrants-from-canada--november-19-2024?id=4fffb6cf-2a3b-4695-b550-6b2beac91e0c |title=Report Highlights Exodus of Economic Immigrants from Canada |date=November 19, 2024 |language=en |publisher=www.cpac.ca |via=}} A 2024 consultation on immigration levels revealed that 69% of respondents believe the federal government should actively address barriers to the labor market integration of foreign-educated workers.{{Cite web |last=Immigration |first=Refugees and Citizenship Canada |date=2024-10-24 |title=2024 consultations on immigration levels – final report |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/transparency/consultations/2024-consultations-immigration-levels-report.html |access-date= |website=www.canada.ca}} For instance, Newfoundland and Labrador have faced a shortage of social work staff since 2023 but have been unable to recruit enough social workers.{{Cite web |date=June 18, 2024 |title=Social work vacancies 'still a crisis situation,' as shortages worsen since last year |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/nl-social-worker-vacancies-reactions-1.7235393 |website=CBC}} Despite this growing demand, their approach to integrating foreign-educated social workers remains unchanged. Following the example of some other provinces, they continue to use the controversial U.S. examination ASWB rather than adopting supervised support and integration pathways to fill social work vacancies. Many categories selected for welcoming foreign-educated workers as permanent residents face similar challenges related to provincial labor market integration, with foreign individuals being welcomed for national needs without any federal government interventions to ensure their integration.{{Cite web |last=Immigration |first=Refugees and Citizenship Canada |date=2025-02-27 |title=2024 consultations on economic priorities for category-based selection in Express Entry |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/transparency/consultations/2024-consultations-express-entry-selection-report.html |access-date= |website=www.canada.ca}} Additionally, the social contract with the existing Canadian population is fraught with challenges. In 2024, an Angus Reid survey found that 42% of native-born young Canadians are considering moving to another country due to the complex economic and sociopolitical climate in Canada.{{Cite web |last=Reid |first=Angus |date=2024-07-03 |title=Canadian Dream? High housing costs has two-in-five recent immigrants saying they may leave their province (or Canada) - |url=https://angusreid.org/canada-interprovincial-migration-housing-crisis-immigration/ |website=angusreid.org |language=en-US}}

In 2011 and 2012, several families were denied immigration to Canada because members of their family have an autism spectrum diagnosis and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (now IRCC) felt the potential cost of care for those family members would place an excessive demand on health or social services.{{cite web|title=American UVic prof forced to leave Canada after immigration rules son's autism too big a taxpayer burden|url=http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/dailybrew/american-uvic-prof-forced-leave-canada-immigration-rules-175808035.html|last=Merti|first=Steve|date=31 March 2012|work=Daily Brew|via=Yahoo News|access-date=19 April 2012|archive-date=3 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403024052/http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/dailybrew/american-uvic-prof-forced-leave-canada-immigration-rules-175808035.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Wallace|first=Kenyon|date=9 June 2011|title=Family faces deportation over son's autism|work=Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1005102--family-faces-deportation-over-son-s-autism|access-date=1 September 2017|archive-date=21 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221010315/http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1005102--family-faces-deportation-over-son-s-autism?|url-status=live}} People with autism disorders can be accepted if they are able to depend on themselves. According to the Canadian Human Rights Act, discrimination based on disability is prohibited in all areas of society, including housing. Therefore, it is essential for the accommodation industry in Canada to provide accessible accommodations for disabled people. There are various types of accommodations available in Canada for disabled people, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, resorts, and other types of lodging.{{Cite book |last=Canada. |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/20355658 |title=Canadian Human Rights Act : R.S., 1985, c. H-6, amended by R.S., c. 1985, c. 31 (1st Supp.); R.S., c. 1985, c. 32 (2nd Supp.) = Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne : L.R. (1985), ch. H-6, modifiée par L.R. (1985), ch. 31 (1er suppl.); L.R. (1985), ch. 32 (2e suppl.). |date=1989 |publisher=Supply and Services Canada = Approvisionnements et services Canada |isbn=0-662-56727-7 |oclc=20355658 |access-date=2023-03-05 |archive-date=2024-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224110949/https://search.worldcat.org/title/20355658 |url-status=live }} The housing and support services for individuals with disabilities are the focus of several non-profit organizations in Canada. The Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) is one such group that promotes the rights of those with disabilities and offers housing and other services to both individuals and families. Several housing initiatives, including group homes and supportive housing, are run by the CACL around the nation.{{Cite web |title=Housing – Inclusion Canada |url=https://inclusioncanada.ca/housing/ |access-date=2023-03-05 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305050656/https://inclusioncanada.ca/housing/ |url-status=live }}

The federal government was requested by businesses to expand programs aimed at helping professional immigrants gain Canadian-specific occupational knowledge and professional insights in their respective fields. In response, the Canadian Council on Learning was created to promote best practices in workplace learning. Immigrant workers' qualifications or credentials are assessed by Canadian agencies through the IRCC for immigration.{{Cite web|title=Where can I get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?|url=http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=681&top=29|last=CIC|date=30 January 2020|website=Citizenship and Immigration Canada|publisher=Government of Canada|orig-year=2012|access-date=2 December 2018|archive-date=14 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114233034/http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=681&top=29|url-status=live}} Ideally, this credential equalization assessment reduces the gap between education and suitable jobs. However, strains of discrimination, i.e. statistical discrimination lead to a systemic process of rejecting and discouraging immigrants (racialization), which is an antithesis for an anti-oppressive culture.Hendry, Leah. 25 September 2018. "[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-immigration-skilled-workers-election-1.4833739 'I didn't come here to live this kind of life': Skilled immigrants on desperate hunt for jobs in Quebec] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129023916/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-immigration-skilled-workers-election-1.4833739 |date=2018-11-29 }}" CBC News. Montreal: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.Reitz, Jeffrey G. 2007. "Immigrant Employment Success in Canada, Part I: Individual and Contextual Causes." Journal of International Migration and Integration 8:11–36. {{doi|10.1007/s12134-007-0001-4}}Raza, Muhammad, Roderic Beaujot, and Gebremariam Woldemicael 2012. "Social Capital and Economic Integration of Visible Minority Immigrants in Canada." Journal of International Migration and Integration 14. {{doi|10.1007/s12134-012-0239-3}}.{{Cite web|title=Canada has a discrimination problem when it comes to hiring — here's why|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/5424465/discriminatory-hiring-practices-canada/|last=Collie|first=Meghan|date=25 June 2019|website=Global News|publisher=Corus Entertainment|access-date=2019-10-23|archive-date=2019-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023160919/https://globalnews.ca/news/5424465/discriminatory-hiring-practices-canada/|url-status=live}} In 2023, discrimination against immigrants in Canada based on their origin and color was reported to be at a high 22 percent.{{Cite web |title=Canada: visible minorities facing discrimination by type and gender |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1314834/visible-minorities-discriminated-covid-19-canada-type-gender/ |access-date= |website=Statista |language=en |archive-date=2023-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730140856/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1314834/visible-minorities-discriminated-covid-19-canada-type-gender/ |url-status=live }} In 2022, a significant portion (43 - 47%) of late Generation Y and Generation Z, the working population in Canada, finds that their country and societal systems have a racial bias.{{Cite web |title=Canada: views on the country's racism by age 2021 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1322485/canadians-think-country-racist-age/ |access-date= |website=Statista |language=en |archive-date=2023-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730140856/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1322485/canadians-think-country-racist-age/ |url-status=live }} In response, PC Premier Doug Ford introduced Bill 149 to attempt to counter this, banning the requirement of Canadian work experience.{{Cite web |title=Ontario Newsroom |url=https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1003798/ontario-to-ban-requirements-for-canadian-work-experience-in-job-postings |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=news.ontario.ca}}{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Allison |date=29 November 2024 |title=Ontario to ban Canadian work experience requirement in job postings |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ont-work-experience-1.7024152 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250106234927/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ont-work-experience-1.7024152 |archive-date=6 January 2025 |access-date=6 January 2025 |work=CBC News}} A 2021 study reveals that 71 percent of the Canadian workforce experienced workplace harassment and violence, and workplace prevention policies for penalizing harassers were mostly just paper tigers and remained only on paper.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-30 |title=Workplace harassment and violence impacts over 70% of employees in Canada, study shows |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/workplace-harassment-and-violence-impacts-over-70-of-employees-in-canada-study-shows-1.6401673 |website=CBC News |access-date=2023-07-30 |archive-date=2023-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730150636/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/workplace-harassment-and-violence-impacts-over-70-of-employees-in-canada-study-shows-1.6401673 |url-status=live }}

Across Canada, businesses have proposed to allow unpaid or basic-pay internships as part of a rewards system, which were considered illegal (both in government and private) in many provinces at the time, which posed a major obstacle to integrate immigrants into the job market. The lack of collective ethnic bargaining and active citizenship from minority immigrants, and the lack of policy leadership in this sector from the government has resulted in a "catch-22” situation in which employers want job experience, but potential employees cannot get Canadian experience without first working in Canadian jobs/internships. The Ontario Human Rights Commission has acknowledged the racist effects of Canadian work experience requirement for jobs, and has declared it to be "prima facie discrimination," and an inadmissible criterion for exclusion of applicants. However, this and the employment equity act has not translated into a nationwide inclusive policy.{{Cite book|url=http://www.ohrc.on.ca/sites/default/files/policy%20on%20removing%20the%20Canadian%20experience%20barrier_accessible.pdf|title=Policy on Removing the "Canadian experience" barrier.|publisher=Ontario Human Rights Commission|year=2013|access-date=2020-11-18|archive-date=2020-12-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215192009/http://www3.ohrc.on.ca/sites/default/files/policy%20on%20removing%20the%20Canadian%20experience%20barrier_accessible.pdf|url-status=live}}

An article points out that simply increasing immigration levels without considering the underlying issues in the labor market may not effectively address skills shortages or unemployment rates. Experts emphasize the importance of aligning immigration policies with targeted skills training programs to ensure that incoming immigrants possess the skills needed in the labor market. Furthermore, they stress the significance of investing in education and upskilling programs for both newcomers and the existing workforce to bridge the skills gap.{{Cite web |last=Saba |first=Rosa |date=2023-02-01 |title=Immigration increase alone won't fix the labour market, experts say |url=https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/business/immigration-increase-alone-wont-fix-the-labour-market-experts-say/article_eec42d00-e606-5e6c-a592-5056954b5bc2.html |access-date= |website=The Canadian Press |language=en |archive-date=2023-05-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506051030/https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/business/immigration-increase-alone-wont-fix-the-labour-market-experts-say/article_eec42d00-e606-5e6c-a592-5056954b5bc2.html |url-status=live }} The 1966 White Paper on Immigration advocated for the selection of skilled immigrants, as an influx of unskilled immigrants during a strong economy could exacerbate poverty issues during economic downturns. In 1994, the Chretien Liberals prioritized immigrants with skills and abilities conducive to higher incomes and economic growth, reducing reliance on social welfare. However, despite the White Paper on Immigration's anti-discriminatory stance, achieving full economic and social inclusion for immigrants remained elusive. They often encounter explicit and implicit oppression due to the absence of policies aimed at preventing and penalizing it. This policy of inaction and wanton disregard echoes historical Canadian policies that marginalized Chinese immigrants following the completion of the railway in 1885.{{Cite book |last=Canada |first=Canada Citizenship and Immigration |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0ESkAAAACAAJ |title=Into the 21st Century: A Strategy for Immigration and Citizenship |date=1994 |publisher=Minister of Supply and Services Canada |isbn=978-0-662-22739-7 |language=en |access-date=2023-09-01 |archive-date=2023-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901104551/https://books.google.com/books/about/Into_the_21st_Century.html?id=0ESkAAAACAAJ |url-status=live }}{{Cite book |last=Ferguson |first=Ted |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R40lAAAAMAAJ |title=A White Man's Country: An Exercise in Canadian Prejudice |date=1975 |publisher=Doubleday |isbn=978-0-385-11400-4 |language=en |access-date=2023-09-01 |archive-date=2023-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901104552/https://books.google.com/books/about/A_White_Man_s_Country.html?id=R40lAAAAMAAJ |url-status=live }} Many observe Canada faces the same "soft trade barriers" that it has been facing for more than half a century with regards to helping immigrants transition into careers they were trained for or to better careers even with Canada's modern educational capacity and political opportunity that can fix them.

{{main|Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration}}

In 2017, the Province of Quebec stated that they will prohibit offering or receiving public services for individuals who cover their face, such as those who wear chadors, niqabs or burqas. The reasoning behind the bill was to ensure protection of Quebecois, but the discriminatory strain of the political ideology was reported to be aimed at articles of certain religious faiths. The bill would come under question of in regards to Canadian policy on religious tolerance and accommodation.Bergeron, Patrice. 24 October 2017. "[https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/quebec-to-prohibit-government-employees-from-wearing-muslim-chador-niqab-and-burka-1.4148056 Quebec to prohibit government employees from wearing Muslim chador, niqab and burka] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203055548/https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/quebec-to-prohibit-government-employees-from-wearing-muslim-chador-niqab-and-burka-1.4148056 |date=2018-12-03 }}." The Canadian Press via CTV News.Peritz, Ingrid. 18 October 2017. {{cite news|title=Quebec bans face covering in public services, raising worries among Muslims|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/quebec-bans-face-covering-in-public-services-raising-worries-among-muslims/article36638544/|url-access=subscription|access-date=2018-12-02|archive-date=2018-11-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113142737/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/quebec-bans-face-covering-in-public-services-raising-worries-among-muslims/article36638544/|url-status=live}} The Globe and Mail. Montreal.CBC News staff. 16 August 2017. "[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/bill-62-identity-politics-muslim-burqa-1.4250417 No niqabs on public buses? Confusion reigns after surprise amendments to Quebec bill] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807090631/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/bill-62-identity-politics-muslim-burqa-1.4250417 |date=2018-08-07 }}." CBC News. Montreal: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. A qualitative study found that taste-based discrimination is more prevalent in cities than semi-urban areas, as major factors that contribute to less hostility seem to be regional differences in industrial composition and attendant labour demand.Magesan, Arvind. 25 October 2015. "[https://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/new-figures-show-just-how-big-canadas-immigrant-wage-gap-is/ New figures show just how big Canada's immigrant wage gap is] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203055559/https://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/new-figures-show-just-how-big-canadas-immigrant-wage-gap-is/ |date=2018-12-03 }}." Maclean's.StatCan. 25 October 2017. "[https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/as-sa/98-200-x/2016017/98-200-x2016017-eng.cfm Census in Brief: Linguistic integration of immigrants and official language populations in Canada] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616013213/https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/as-sa/98-200-x/2016017/98-200-x2016017-eng.cfm |date=2020-06-16 }}" (2016 Census Program Census in Brief). Statistics Canada. Government of Canada. There have been demands for the province to charge additional fees from immigrants before landing in Quebec. Quebecois have also urged the province to impose French language training in order for newcomers to become better integrated with the language and culture of their communities. As a result the government initiated a subsidized linguistic integration program in 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/french-language/full-time/|title=Apprendre le français|access-date=2020-05-18|archive-date=2019-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209113000/http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/french-language/full-time/|url-status=live}}

Recently, the province saw a 20% gap in earnings between immigrants and Canadian-born individuals in Quebec, largely due to the discrepancy between their respective literacy rates.{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}} In 2008, the Canadian Council on Learning reported that almost half of Canadian adults fall below the internationally-accepted literacy standard for coping in a modern society.CCIL. 2008. "Reading the Future: Planning to Meet Canada's Future Literacy Needs." Ottawa, ON: Canadian Council on Learning.

In late 2019, under Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government they introduced a Quebec values test where immigrants would have to pass.{{Cite web|url = https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/quebec-to-impose-a-values-test-on-immigrants-as-of-jan-1-1.4662012|title = Quebec to impose a 'values test' on immigrants as of Jan. 1|date = 30 October 2019|access-date = 7 October 2022|archive-date = 7 October 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221007054302/https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/quebec-to-impose-a-values-test-on-immigrants-as-of-jan-1-1.4662012|url-status = live}}{{Cite web|url = https://www.nationalobserver.com/2019/10/31/news/newcomers-quebec-will-have-pass-values-test|title = Newcomers to Quebec will have to pass values test|date = 31 October 2019|access-date = 7 October 2022|archive-date = 7 October 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221007054315/https://www.nationalobserver.com/2019/10/31/news/newcomers-quebec-will-have-pass-values-test|url-status = live}}{{cite web| url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-legault-values-test-sample-1.5340965| title = Here's a sample of the questions on Quebec's new values test {{!}} CBC News| access-date = 2022-10-07| archive-date = 2022-10-07| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221007054305/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-legault-values-test-sample-1.5340965| url-status = live}}{{cite news|url = https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/quebec-introduces-values-test-for-immigrants-119103100135_1.html|title = Quebec introduces 'values test' for immigrants|newspaper = Business Standard India|date = 31 October 2019|access-date = 7 October 2022|archive-date = 7 October 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221007054304/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/quebec-introduces-values-test-for-immigrants-119103100135_1.html|url-status = live}}{{Cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4854107/quebec-french-language-values-test-newcomers/|title=Quebec Immigration Minister working on French-language, values test for newcomers - Montreal | Globalnews.ca|access-date=2022-10-07|archive-date=2022-10-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007054302/https://globalnews.ca/news/4854107/quebec-french-language-values-test-newcomers/|url-status=live}}

During the 2022 Quebec general election, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government of François Legault which increased it majority ran on getting more immigration powers from Canada to the Province of Quebec.{{cite web | url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/caq-government-will-seek-more-power-over-immigration-legault-tells-convention | title=Legault hopes for 'strong mandate' in election to pressure Ottawa on immigration | access-date=2022-10-07 | archive-date=2022-05-29 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529211001/https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/caq-government-will-seek-more-power-over-immigration-legault-tells-convention | url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Legault pledges to demand more control from Ottawa over immigration to Quebec |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/legault-caq-caucus-1.6470366 |website=CBC News |date=2022-05-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302214305/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/legault-caq-caucus-1.6470366 |archive-date=2023-03-02 |url-status=live |last1=Stevenson |first1=Verity}} Legault has raised the idea of even having referendum on immigration powers.{{cite web | url=https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/trudeau-maintains-position-on-immigration-in-face-of-legault-s-demands-1.6097103 | title=Trudeau maintains position on immigration in face of Legault's demands | date=5 October 2022 | access-date=7 October 2022 | archive-date=7 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007062129/https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/trudeau-maintains-position-on-immigration-in-face-of-legault-s-demands-1.6097103 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/quebec-already-has-the-tools-in-hand-to-choose-immigrants-federal-minister | title=Quebec already has 'the tools in hand' to choose immigrants: Federal minister | access-date=2022-10-07 | archive-date=2022-10-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005161951/https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/quebec-already-has-the-tools-in-hand-to-choose-immigrants-federal-minister | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.hilltimes.com/2022/10/04/keep-going-legaults-victory-message-suggests-hell-seek-more-liberty-and-more-leeway-with-ottawa-say-observers/386368 | title='Keep going': Legault's victory message suggests he'll seek 'more liberty' and 'more leeway' with Ottawa, say observers | date=4 October 2022 | access-date=7 October 2022 | archive-date=7 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007062132/https://www.hilltimes.com/2022/10/04/keep-going-legaults-victory-message-suggests-hell-seek-more-liberty-and-more-leeway-with-ottawa-say-observers/386368 | url-status=live }}

After their election win they repeated their pledge for Quebec getting more immigration powers.{{cite web | url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9182753/caq-more-immigration-powers-post-election-caucus-meeting/ | title=CAQ renews call for more immigration powers at post-election caucus meeting - Montreal | Globalnews.ca | access-date=2022-10-07 | archive-date=2022-10-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007054006/https://globalnews.ca/news/9182753/caq-more-immigration-powers-post-election-caucus-meeting/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/caq-refuses-to-take-no-for-an-answer-after-trudeau-shuts-door-on-immigration-request-1.6099448 | title=CAQ refuses to take no for an answer after Trudeau shuts door on immigration request | date=6 October 2022 | access-date=7 October 2022 | archive-date=7 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007054007/https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/caq-refuses-to-take-no-for-an-answer-after-trudeau-shuts-door-on-immigration-request-1.6099448 | url-status=live }}

{{Portal|History|Canada}}

• Opposition to immigration
• Remigration
• Canada immigration statistics
• Canada (Citizenship and Immigration) v. Khosa
• Century Initiative—a lobby group pushing for increased immigration to Canada
• History of Chinese immigration to Canada
• Immigrant benefits urban legend—a hoax regarding benefits comparison
• Immigration Watch Canada—a lobby group pushing for cutting immigration to Canada
• Ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion—government of Quebec's immigration department
• Visa policy of Canada
• Immigration to Quebec

{{Notelist-ua}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Further|Bibliography of Canadian demographics}}

{{refbegin}}

• Adelman, Howard; Borowski, Allan; Burstein, Meyer; and Foster, Lois, eds. Immigration and Refugee Policy: Australia and Canada Compared (1996)
• Avery, Donald H. Reluctant Host: Canada's Response to Immigrant Workers, 1896–1994 (1996)
• {{citation|last1=Carment|first1=David|last2=Bercuson|first2=David Jay|year=2008|title=The World in Canada: Diaspora, Demography, and Domestic Politics|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OZJFUAPGh_0C&q=Canada%20in%20World%20Affairs&pg=PP1|publisher=McGill-Queen's Univ. Press|isbn=9780773532960|access-date=2020-10-12|archive-date=2024-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224110948/https://books.google.com/books?id=OZJFUAPGh_0C&q=Canada%20in%20World%20Affairs&pg=PP1#v=snippet&q=Canada%20in%20World%20Affairs&f=false|url-status=live}}
• {{cite journal |last1=Comartin |first1=Justin |title=Opening Closed Doors: Revisiting the Canadian Immigration Record (1933-1945) |journal=Canadian Jewish Studies / Études juives canadiennes |date=2016 |volume=24 |doi=10.25071/1916-0925.39961|doi-access=free }}
• {{citation|last=Dirks|first=Gerald E|title=Canada's Refugee Policy: Indifference or Opportunism?|publisher=McGill-Queen's University Press|date=May 1, 1977|isbn=978-0-7735-0296-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0_AHjrdCw3gC|access-date=October 12, 2020|archive-date=February 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224110952/https://books.google.com/books?id=0_AHjrdCw3gC|url-status=live}}
• {{citation|last=Hall|first=D.J.|title=Clifford Sifton: Immigration and Settlement Policy, 1896–1905|editor=Howard Palmer|work=The Settlement of the West|year=1977| pages= 60–85}}
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• [https://c2cjournal.ca/2020/08/can-canada-handle-a-rational-polite-and-fact-based-debate-about-immigration/ Can Canada Handle a Polite, Rational and Fact-Based debate on immigration?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921020758/https://c2cjournal.ca/2020/08/can-canada-handle-a-rational-polite-and-fact-based-debate-about-immigration/ |date=2020-09-21 }}, Herbert Grubel
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{{refend}}

• [http://faculty.marianopolis.edu/c.belanger/QuebecHistory/encyclopedia/ImmigrationHistoryofCanada.htm History of Canadian immigration at Marianopolis College]
• [https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/Pages/home.aspx Library and Archives Canada]
• [https://freakonomics.com/podcast/a-social-activist-in-prime-ministers-clothing/ A Social Activist in Prime Minister’s Clothing]—Interview of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on immegration to Canada (24 April 2024, by Stephen J. Dubner on Freakonomics)

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