Section 2 Summary
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Unit 3: Section 2: Canada's Immigration Policy
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Section 2 Summary
In Section 2, you answered this inquiry question:
How does Canadian immigration policy affect my Canada?
People move from their homelands for many reasons. Push and pull factors influence the decisions that people make about moving. Canada has a reputation of having a strong economy, a democratic political system, and a reliable and affordable health-care system. Canada also has a reputation of being a safe country where basic human rights and freedoms are guaranteed and respected, thus protecting the people who immigrate or take refuge here.
The fact that Canada relies on immigration means benefits as well as costs for Canadians. The federal and provincial governments create immigration policies in an attempt to ensure that immigration benefits all. These policies have changed over time depending on the needs of the nation.
Early in Canada's history, immigration was used to build Canada's economy and to help settle the western provinces. Based on the policies at that time, most immigrants came from Europe. Today, Canada's immigration laws require immigrants who have work skills and who are professionals in the business sector. As a result, a point system is used to determine if potential immigrants qualify to enter the country permanently.
Some people who come to Canada do so to try to escape persecution, torture, or cruel and unusual punishment. As a result, Canada established the Immigration and Refugee Act in 2002. This ensures that those who are displaced or may be persecuted know that their universal human rights are supported within Canada's borders.
As well, collective groups work to protect their collective rights. For instance, you learned that First Nations expect to be consulted when the government makes decisions that affect the future of the country. Politicians in Quebec have also worked to strengthen the French language and culture within Canada through the Canada - Quebec Accord.
Canada is evolving continually and growing as a nation. As a result, immigration policies continue to evolve as Canadians respond to the issues of the time.
You have now completed your investigation of governance and its influence on your quality of life, citizenship, and identity. The knowledge you have gained in this section and in this unit will help you as you begin your exploration of the economic systems in Canada and in the United States and as you explore how economic decisions impact your quality of life, citizenship, and identity.