Interesting Facts about Canadian Immigration

We have compiled a list of fun facts about Canada and its history of immigration that you might not know!

1. Formation of the nation: The three original provinces, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada (now Ontario and Quebec), came together to form one nation on 1st July 1867. Canada now has three territories and ten provinces. Canada Day divides the year into exactly two halves; July 1 marks the 182nd day, and it is followed by another 183 days in the year.
2. Population: Canada houses almost 38 million people. The 2016 census found that almost 22 percent of the population were immigrants. Canada invites immigrants from close to 200 different countries.
3. Introduction of immigration bodies: Quebec was the first province in Canada to introduce a dedicated immigration ministry back in 1968. Quebec wanted to focus on welcoming immigrants so as to maintain the province’s political status and Francophone character within Canada. Manitoba, on the other hand, was the first province to enter a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) agreement with the Canadian federal government in 1998. As of 2020, 12 of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories have their immigrant selection program. Canada offers more than 80 immigration programs dedicated to skilled workers.
4. Definition of immigration: According to the Constitution Act, 1867, immigration should be an area of shared responsibility between the provinces and territories and the Canadian federal government. Immigration was considered important for the security and economic development of the country. There are more than 500 immigrant-serving organizations across Canada that provide free support to immigrants looking to integrate into the economy and society.
5. Points System: Canada was the first country to launch a points system on a global scale for economic class immigrants. The points system came into existence in 1967 to make the assessment of immigration candidates more objective. Human capital factors like age, education, occupations, language skills, and work experience are used to calculate the CRS score.
6. Citizenship: Canadian citizens received legal status only after the Canadian Citizenship Act was passed on January 1, 1947.