HUM Review

What factors influence immigration policies in Canada (i.e., economic, political, health, security)? AND To what extent does Canada benefit from immigration? - Pages 155-163 Definition/explanation – Canada’s immigration policies are guided by a 2002 law called The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. It determines who meets the criteria to become either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Prospective immigrants are divided into four specific categories: 1)Economic Immigrants – people who have education or skills that meet the needs of Canadian industries and employment. An example would be a scientist with specialized knowledge. 2) Refugees – people who are escaping persecution, torture or cruel and unusual punishment. For example, a Rwandan citizen fleeing genocide. 3) Family Class – those who legally qualify as close or extended family of people already living in Canada. An example would be a citizen of another country who marries a Canadian citizen. 4) Other – this is a broad category of people accepted for a range of other reasons, including humanitarian and compassionate considerations. •         Economic Purposes of IRPA – To benefit Canada socially, economically and culturally through immigration. The country expects that immigrants will contribute to the Canadian economy in a positive manner. These individuals must apply for immigration and complete a questionnaire that rates their potential to contribute to Canada’s economic well being. IRPA’s purpose is also to promote shared economic growth in all regions of Canada. •         Political Purposes of IRPA   - To enrich an already culturally diverse country, while respecting multiculturalism and bilingualism, and to promote and support the development of French language communities. •         Health and Security Purposes of IRPA – The Act is meant to allow immigration without putting the health and well being of Canadians at risk. It seeks to promote Canadian values and adherence to Canadian law and society. Another goal is to strengthen the social fabric of the country by helping to ensure that families remain intact whenever possible.

How are changes to Canadian policies on immigration and refugees a reflection of world issues? - Pages 166-168 Definition/explanation – Canada’s position and immigration procedures have evolved in response to world issues. As incidents of civil unrest and war have displaced increasing numbers of people, Canada’s immigration policies towards refugees have evolved. •         Why are Refugees included in IRPA?  •         1) To save lives and protect displaced and persecuted people; and to give those claiming persecution due consideration. •         2) To meet legal obligations that Canada has agreed to under international law to provide assistance to those in need of resettlement. •         3) To offer a place of refuge to people in jeopardy of persecution, torture or cruel and unusual punishment based on race, religion, nationality or political ties.

What impact does increasing immigration have on Aboriginal peoples and communities?  - Pages 173-174 Definition/explanation – One of the reasons for Canada’s immigration policies is to benefit the Canadian economy. Foreign immigrants may be used to fill various jobs and vacancies, but at the same time, Aboriginal groups are concerned that continued immigration will have a negative impact on their opportunities for economic development. The Assembly of First Nations passed resolution 49 in 2005, to ask the federal government to address their concerns about this situation. They called on Ottawa to stop all immigration until the government made moves to improve Aboriginals’ conditions regarding housing, education, health and employment. To date, the issue is still not resolved.

How are provincial governments able to influence and implement immigration policies? AND To what extent does Canada benefit from immigration? Pages 175-177 Definition/explanation – Immigration has an effect on the population of the region or city that receives the newly arrived. All immigrants have the right to live and find work in the province or territory of their choice. In order to ensure that provinces are able to attract and retain enough immigrants, policies have been developed to help provincial governments receive a share of people immigrating to Canada. •         Immigration Patterns  -  Where immigrants choose to settle has a direct impact on the economic conditions of Canada’s regions and the cities within them. More immigrants settling in an area means more jobs are filled and labour shortages can be addressed. For example, in 2007, the cities of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver accounted for 68% of all Canadian immigrant settlement. That means the rest of Canada’s regions and cities must divide the remaining 32% of immigrants amongst themselves. How might financial considerations make these smaller regions and cities more attractive to immigrants? •         Provincial nomination program  - Under the Provincial Nomination Program, provinces can nominate a percentage of  the total number of immigrants that come into the country. They may do this to address specific or regional needs for skilled and unskilled labour as these shortages arise. Provinces may also be allowed to establish their own immigration offices in other countries. Does this promote regionalization/decentralization?

How is the implementation of immigration policies in Québec an attempt to strengthen the French language in North America? - Pages 177-179 Definition/explanation – Immigration has a direct and significant effect on the society and culture of regions such as Quebec. New arrivals may not speak the French language or be familiar with Quebec customs or traditions, an effect some believe weakens the social and cultural well being of the province. •         Canada-Quebec Accord  - To strengthen the French language and French-Canadian society in Quebec, and in North America, the federal and Quebec governments reached an agreement called the Canada-Quebec Accord. Under this agreement, Quebec is allowed to have unique immigration standards and practices that other provinces do not. For instance, Quebec can nominate a percentage of immigrants equal to its percentage of Canada’s population. Quebec can seek out immigrants whose first language is French. Immigrants to Quebec can also be required to send their children to French-language schools. The province is able to refuse immigrants it feels would undermine the strength of French society and culture. •         Francophone Communities Outside Quebec   - The Canada-Quebec Accord has little effect on French-speaking immigrants in other regions of Canada. To support these communities in their effort to attract more French-speaking immigrants, the government of Canada developed a five-year plan in 2006. Such initiatives enable cities and communities like Edmonton and Calgary to establish programs to assist Francophone immigrants and to maintain ties to their native language and cultures.

What is the relationship between immigration policies in Canada and the rights guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms? - pages 169-170 Definition/explanation – There is debate among Canadians as to what rights and responsibilities should be attributed to those going through the immigration process. Some believe only those who apply for citizenship through proper channels should be considered for immigration, or that Canadians should not be burdened with the expense of providing for immigrants who they believe are trying to take advantage of Canada’s immigration laws. Others argue that issues of persecution and punishment override these concerns and we have a special responsibility to consider citizenship applications from these individuals. •         The Singh Decision  - In 1985, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the 1976 Immigration Act was in violation of Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In this case, Satnam Singh was not allowed to appear on behalf of his immigration application or to appeal its refusal by the government. The Court declared that the Immigration Act did not allow Singh the right to life, liberty and security of the person, and the right not to be deprived of these basic rights, even though they are granted to all Canadians. As a result, individuals claiming refugee status in Canada are granted the right to attend a hearing in person and are provided with the necessities of life while going through the process, which is supposed to be conducted quickly and fairly.