Unit 3: Section 2: Workbook 11: Canada's Immigration Policy

Workbook 11

Activity 1: Behind Canada's Immigration Policies

Get Focused

Canada is a nation boasting of many good qualities. Immigrants continue to choose Canada as the place to build their new homes and lives for many reasons. For example, many immigrants came to Canada in the late 1800s and early 1900s because of a widespread, federally-funded advertising campaign offering free land for homesteading. This campaign and others like it appealed to those seeking land on which they could settle and farm. Immigrants saw the land as a way to create new and bright opportunities for themselves and their families in the new world.

Examine the posters below to see how Canada has advertised itself to potential immigrants in the past.

What qualities about Canada do these posters show or suggest to you?
What do you think that these posters would have suggested to immigrants?

At the time of the advertising campaign seen in the posters above, the help of many new farmers was required if Canada was going to settle the West successfully. Therefore, these and other posters were made to show how the West would look if farmers settled there and developed the land. One would surely see successful farms, healthy livestock grazing in large pastures, and bountiful crops.

Today, there are new and different reasons for immigration. These might include a better quality of life, shelter for refugees, or a need for employment.

If you were to produce an advertising poster for the federal government to promote immigration in this day and age, which of Canada's many qualities would you include?

Brainstorm a list of qualities, or pull factors, that you believe could influence a potential immigrant to choose Canada as a place to build his or her new life.

Discuss this question with a learning partner or with family members, if possible.

Save your list to your Activities folder.

Canada has many qualities that appeal to immigrants. Canada also benefits from immigration in many ways.

In this activity, you will begin to examine this inquiry question:

What factors influence immigration policies in Canada?