Canada’s Inspiring Welcoming Week 2023 Celebration with New Immigrants

From September 8 to September 17, 2023, Canada is alive with excitement as it celebrates Welcoming Week 2023. This annual event, organized by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), offers a unique opportunity to extend a warm welcome to newcomers. Nonetheless, this isn’t a run-of-the-mill gathering; it stands as a pivotal component of the IRCC’s Immigration Matters initiative. So, what precisely does Welcoming Week entail, and why should it capture your interest? Stay with us as we delve deeper into the specifics.

IRCC’s Immigration Matters Campaign: The Big Picture

Welcoming Week goes beyond being a simple event. It’s a cornerstone of IRCC’s #ImmigrationMatters campaign, which invites Canadians from all walks of life to actively engage and contribute to Canada’s culture of hospitality. One meaningful way to participate is by connecting with organizations that offer settlement services. Through these partnerships, you can form connections that transcend geographical boundaries.

In the 2021 census, Canada counted 8.3 million immigrants, nearly a quarter of the population. By 2041, it is anticipated to grow to 34%. IRCC emphasizes that a warm welcome fosters successful integration and community contributions.

Immigrants’ Strong Belonging in Canada Drives Community and Economy

Picture this: You’re in a new country, surrounded by strangers, and then, suddenly, you’re welcomed with open arms. That feeling of belonging is magical!

Statistics Canada’s most recent research discloses that immigrants frequently experience a heightened sense of fitting in within Canada compared to individuals born there, particularly in the regions of Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces. This feeling of integration motivates newcomers to actively engage with their communities, cultivate relationships, remain in Canada, and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

The Economics of Welcoming

Immigration Minister Marc Miller rightly emphasizes that being a welcoming country isn’t just a good quality; it’s a smart economic move. Let me tell you why.

Canada is facing an aging population, and that’s a challenge. But guess what? Immigration is the ace up our sleeve. It’s the prime motivator behind our economic advancement, and here’s the astonishing fact—around 75% of Canada’s population expansion can be ascribed to immigration. Indeed, three-quarters of the fresh faces you encounter are recent arrivals, and they are making substantial contributions.

Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Powering Economic Growth

Statistics Canada’s research is crystal clear: immigrant entrepreneurship isn’t just a small piece of the economic puzzle; it’s a significant 24.4% share. Yes, nearly a quarter of all businesses in Canada are owned by immigrants. These entrepreneurs aren’t just making enterprises; they are propelling economic expansion, and generating jobs.

Immigration Fuels Canada’s Economy

Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, highlights immigration as the driving force behind the economy and addressing demographic challenges. Immigrants constitute nearly 100% of labor force growth and 75% of population growth, with a focus on skilled workers. In 2022, Canada welcomed a total of 437,000 newcomers, a number tending to 465,000 by 2023, achieving 500,000 by 2025.