Questions & Answers
Policy and Histories (Emika)
1.Why has Canada been more proactive than other developed countries in accepting １refugees?
1. A strong economy
Canada has a growing need for workers because many people in the country are aging and retiring. At the same time, there are many open jobs that need to be filled. In the article from BBC News, Ian Austen (2022) explains that Canada plans to bring in 1.5 million newcomers by 2025 to support the economy. Refugees are included in this plan.
This shows that refugees are not only seen as people who need protection. They are also viewed as valuable contributors to the workforce. Canada has the financial stability to provide healthcare, housing support, and education to new arrivals. Many other countries hesitate to accept refugees because they fear it will be a burden. Canada, on the other hand, sees newcomers as part of its future success.
2. An established immigration system
Canada has a long history of accepting immigrants and refugees. It has created strong systems to support them when they arrive. One of the most effective programs is private sponsorship. In this program, ordinary Canadians can personally support a refugee or refugee family by helping them settle into life in Canada. This includes things like finding a home, learning English or French, and connecting with the community.
3. A commitment to multiculturalism and helping others.
Perhaps most importantly, Canada is guided by values that focus on human rights, compassion, and equality. Multiculturalism is a central part of Canadian identity. Refugees are not expected to hide their culture or background. Instead, they are encouraged to be part of the country while still being themselves.
Labman (2022) also points out that many Canadians strongly support refugee resettlement. This public support makes it easier for the government to create and expand refugee programs. When a country’s people believe in helping others and welcoming differences, it becomes easier to take bold actions.
Austen, I. (2022, November 16). Why Canada wants to bring in 1.5 million immigrants by 2025. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-63643912
Labman, S. (2022, September 19). Canadians support accepting more newcomers — but we need a more equitable, rights-based approach. The Conversation.
https://theconversation.com/canadians-support-accepting-more-newcomers-but-we-need-a-more-equitable-rights-based-approach-185348
2.How has Canada's immigration policy evolved throughout history?
Canada’s immigration policy has changed a lot over the years. In the past, it was often unfair and focused on race. For example, as Maple Leaf Immigration Services explains, early laws made it difficult for non-European immigrants, like the Chinese, to enter. This changed in 1967 when Canada introduced a points system that focused on skills and education instead of race or country of origin.
Today, the policy is more open and focused on three main goals: growing the economy, reuniting families, and helping people in need. According to the Business Council of Alberta, immigration now supports Canada’s economy by filling jobs and dealing with an aging population. Shauna Labman also explains in The Conversation that Canada helps refugees through strong humanitarian programs like private sponsorship.
These changes show that Canada has moved from a biased system to one that is fairer, more welcoming, and focused on building a better future for everyone.
Business Council of Alberta. (2024, February). Prosperity-driven immigration: A national strategy to grow Canada’s future (Chapter 1).
https://businesscouncilab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/BCA_Prosperity-Driven-Immigration_National-Strategy-Ch1-FINAL.pdf
3.Are there differences in how refugees and economic migrants (skilled workers) are treated?
There are significant differences in how refugees and economic migrants ( skilled workers) are treated in Canada.
Particularly in terms of their pathways of immigration, the support they receive, and their integration into the Canadian labor market.
Refugees leave their countries because they are in danger, like war or persecution. They get special help and protection under international law (Skran, 2019).
Economic migrants choose to move for better jobs or living conditions. Skilled workers need to apply for visas and meet job or education rules.
They don’t get the same legal protection as refugees (European Commission, n.d.).
People often see refugees as needing help, but they see economic migrants more as workers.
This makes governments and societies treat them differently (Papademetriou, 2015).
Skran, C. (2019, July 9). Why refugees and migrants who arrive by boat are treated differently. The Century Foundation.
https://tcf.org/content/commentary/refugees-migrants-arrive-boat-treated-differently/
Papademetriou, D. G. (2015, July 23). The false dichotomy between economic migrants and refugees. International Organization for Migration.
https://weblog.iom.int/false-dichotomy-between-economic-migrants-and-refugees
European Commission. (n.d.). Economic migrant. European Migration Network Asylum and Migration Glossary.
https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/networks/european-migration-network-emn/emn-asylum-and-migration-glossary/glossary/economic-migrant_en
4.What are the fundamental differences between the immigration policies of the U.S. and Canada?
・Canada uses a points-based system. This means people are scored based on things like education, job skills, and language ability.
The government tries to choose immigrants who will help the country’s economy (Wicklum, 2023).
・In the U.S., family connections are more important. Many people come to join family members who are already in the country.
The U.S. also has limits on how many people can come from each country, which can make the wait very long (RIMS Broward Chapter, n.d.).
Overall, Canada focuses more on skills, while the U.S. focuses more on family.
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/layered-look-canadian-and-us-immigration
https://community.rims.org/r-broward/viewdocument/what-are-the-4-major-differences-in
5.Is accepting refugees an international obligation or a political choice for Canada.
Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (2001), Canada has a legal duty to protect refugees who face danger or persecution.
The law says Canada must help refugees and their family members to come to Canada safely.
This duty comes from Canada’s promises under international agreements, so accepting refugees is an obligation.
At the same time, the Canadian government decides how many refugees to accept each year and what programs to provide to support them.
These decisions depend on politics and policies,
which means accepting refugees is also a political choice (Canadian Council for Refugees, n.d.; Skran, 2019).
https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/i-2.5/fulltext.html
https://ccrweb.ca/en/information-refugees
Community and Social Support (Emika)
Community centres and libraries also offer free programs like English classes and activities. These help newcomers make friends and learn about life in Canada (Community connections, 2024).
7. What role do NGOs and volunteer groups play in supporting immigrants?
NGOs and volunteer groups help immigrants in many ways. They offer legal help, education, and healthcare, even in difficult situations. They also give support for job training, language learning, and adjusting to life in a new country.
Another big role is that they help immigrants make social connections and feel part of the community. NGOs also speak up for immigrants’ rights and help shape policies that support them.
Number Analytics. (2023, June 5). NGO advantage: Supporting immigrant workers. https://www.numberanalytics.com/blog/ngo-advantage-supporting-immigrant-workers/
There are strong ties (close friends or family) and weak ties (acquaintances or coworkers), and both are useful. Weak ties often help immigrants find work or learn about opportunities they wouldn’t know otherwise. Overall, social networks make it easier for immigrants to succeed and feel included in Canadian society.
Statistics Canada. (2024, May 6). Immigrant social networks and economic integration. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/36-28-0001/2024012/article/00002-eng.htm
Statistics Canada. (2024, April 8). The role of social capital in immigrants’ integration. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/36-28-0001/2024004/article/00006-eng.htm
The government also supports multiculturalism and anti-racism programs, which promote inclusion, fight discrimination, and encourage people to learn about each other. These programs help make Canadian cities more welcoming and connected.
Canadian Heritage. (2023, December 19). Building Communities through Arts and Heritage – Festivals component. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/building-communities/festivals/application-guidelines.html
Canadian Heritage. (2023, July 19). Annual report on the Canadian Multiculturalism Act 2021–2022. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/corporate/publications/plans-reports/annual-report-canadian-multiculturalism-act-2021-2022.html
They bring new ideas, skills, and cultures, which make communities more creative and open-minded.
They also start businesses, pay taxes, and support the economy, helping both local and national development. In Canada, immigrants are important to population growth and long-term success, especially with an aging population.
By contributing socially, culturally, and economically, immigrants help create stronger, more welcoming communities for everyone.
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (2019, August 15). Immigrants contribute greatly to U.S. economy despite administration’s “public charge” rule. https://www.cbpp.org/research/immigrants-contribute-greatly-to-us-economy-despite-administrations-public-charge-rule
FWD.us. (2023, July 13). Americans & immigration: The facts. https://www.fwd.us/news/americans-and-immigration/
International Organization for Migration. (2022, November 14). Immigration matters: How immigrants are relevant to Canada’s development. https://lac.iom.int/en/blogs/immigration-matters-how-immigrants-are-relevant-canadas-development
Wu, Z., & Schimmele, C. (2005). The healthy migrant effect on depression: Variation over time? Canadian Journal of Public Health, 96(2), 122–126. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1414713/
Immigrants hope their children will have a safe, happy life with good education and confidence to succeed (NEEDS Inc., n.d.). They also wish for their children to get fair jobs, earn good wages, and build fulfilling lives in Canada (Moving2Canada, 2024). These hopes show how much parents want a better future for the next generation.
NEEDS Inc. (n.d.). Newcomers Employment and Education Development Services. https://www.needsinc.ca/
Moving2Canada. (2024, December 20). Wages for immigrant children: 2025 survey shows challenges and hope. https://moving2canada.com/news-and-features/features/living/wages-for-immigrant-children-2025-survey/
13.Do second-generation immigrants feel more Canadian or more connected to their heritage?
Many second-generation immigrants in Canada feel both Canadian and connected to their heritage. Some say they struggle at first to find where they belong, but later feel proud of having a mixed identity that includes both cultures (CanCulture, n.d.).
Research shows that keeping a strong connection to their roots while also feeling Canadian can improve well-being and mental health (Berry & Hou, 2017). Being part of community groups and sharing stories helps them feel confident in who they are (ISANS, 2019).
CanCulture. (n.d.). A third culture: Navigating second-generation identity. https://canculturemag.com/features/a-third-culture-navigating-second-generation-identity/
Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia. (2019). Making waves: Stories of second-generation immigrant youth. https://www.isans.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/MakingWaves_book_web.pdf
Berry, J. W., & Hou, F. (2017). Immigrant acculturation and well-being in Canada. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 61, 29–39. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0147176717301074
14.How do people from different backgrounds find a sense of belonging in Canada?
People from different backgrounds find belonging in Canada through its strong support for multiculturalism and diversity. The government promotes a society where all cultures are respected equally within a democratic system (Parliament of Canada, 2009).
Programs and events across the country celebrate different cultures and fight racism, which helps newcomers feel accepted (Canadian Heritage, 2016). Canada also shares its values of openness and inclusion on the global stage, helping people feel proud to be part of a diverse nation (Canadian Heritage, n.d.).
Parliament of Canada. (2009, July 8). Canadian multiculturalism: An inclusive citizenship. https://lop.parl.ca/sites/PublicWebsite/default/en_CA/ResearchPublications/200920E
Canadian Heritage. (2016). Annual report on the operation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act 2015–2016. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/corporate/publications/plans-reports/annual-report-canadian-multiculturalism-act-2015-2016.html
Canadian Heritage. (n.d.). Multiculturalism in Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/culture/canadian-identity-society/multiculturalism.html
15.What personal dreams bring people to Canada beyond just jobs or safety?
Many newcomers come to Canada not only for jobs or safety, but also to build a better life with freedom, respect, and equality (CBC, 2018). They dream of living in a country where their children can grow up in a fair and caring society (Canadian Heritage, 2019).
Canada’s focus on well-being, diversity, and human rights gives people hope for a future where they can truly belong and thrive (Department of Finance Canada, 2021).
CBC News. (2018, June 29). Newcomers share what Canada means to them 151 years after Confederation. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/canada-151-newcomers-1.4728973
Canadian Heritage. (2019). Building a foundation for change: Canada’s anti-racism strategy 2019–2022. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/combatting-racism-discrimination/canada-anti-racism-strategy.html
Department of Finance Canada. (2021). Measuring what matters: Toward a quality of life strategy for Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/services/publications/measuring-what-matters-toward-quality-life-strategy-canada.html
After reading this article, I thought it was wonderful to see the values that are shared among Canadians.
返信削除In addition, I was especially and strongly attracted by your sentences ”Multiculturalism is a central part of Canadian identity. Refugees are not expected to hide their culture or background. Instead, they are encouraged to be part of the country while still being themselves” As an expansion of globalization, people from diverse backgrounds increasingly live in the same country, and we believe it is important to create an environment in which all people can live comfortably, regardless of ethnicity; We should strive to create an environment where all people are treated equally. (Chiharu)
You clearly explained the key differences in treatment between refugees and economic migrants, especially regarding legal protections and public perceptions. It’s important to highlight that refugees are forced to move due to danger and therefore require special assistance and protections under international law. For further research, consider exploring the social integration outcomes of both groups: do refugees and economic migrants face different challenges in employment, education, or community acceptance? It would also be valuable to examine how existing policies address these differences and whether they could be improved to create more equal opportunities. Finally, investigating refugee contributions beyond legal protection—such as their cultural influence or entrepreneurial activities—might add important depth to your analysis and show refugees as active agents in society rather than passive recipients of aid.
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