5: Immigration Laws and Policies Flashcards
What is immigration?
The process of people establishing homes, and often citizenship, in a country that is not their native country.
What was the purpose of the posters used by Canada’s government in the late 1800s?
To recruit immigrants to fulfill the objectives of the National Policy.
What were the objectives of the National Policy in Canada?
To promote Canadian industry, finish the national railway, and settle the west.
Who formulated the National Policy and in what year?
John A. Macdonald’s Conservative government in 1873.
Which countries did the Canadian government target for immigration recruitment?
The U.S., Britain, and many parts of Europe.
Which countries were not targeted for immigration recruitment by Canada?
Countries with French-speaking populations, such as France, Belgium, or Switzerland.
Why do many people want to immigrate to Canada?
Quality of life in Canada and shelter for refugees.
What role does immigration play in Canada’s legislative framework?
It affects the quality of life of Canadians and those seeking to build a home in Canada.
What are the opportunities and challenges posed by immigration?
Opportunities and challenges for citizenship and building a society where all Canadians belong.
What are some focus questions regarding Canada’s immigration laws and policies?
- What criteria does Canada use when accepting immigrants and refugees?
- How do the individual and collective rights of Canadians influence immigration laws and policies?
- How do provinces influence immigration laws and policies?
What should be assessed regarding Canada’s immigration laws and policies?
How effectively they meet the needs of all Canadians.
Fill in the blank: Immigration poses opportunities and challenges for _______.
[citizenship]
True or False: Canada only recruits immigrants from countries with English-speaking populations.
False
What emerging issues does the Canadian government respond to related to immigration?
Issues arising from immigration today.
How does Canada benefit from new immigration?
By enhancing the quality of life and diversity of society.
What is the significance of examining historical factors that affected immigration?
To understand the context and evolution of immigration policies.
What does Canada do when it faces labour shortages?
Canada accepts more immigrants with specific skills to fill demand for workers in particular jobs.
Who was Michaëlle Jean?
A Francophone originally from Haiti, appointed governor general of Canada in 2005.
How does immigration affect the identity of people in Canada?
It affects both newcomers and existing residents, including groups with collective rights.
What cultural impact does immigration create in Canada?
A mix of cultures where people need to learn each other’s beliefs, values, and worldviews.
What obligations does Canada have regarding refugees?
To shelter people who need to escape war and other dangers.
What factors must immigration policy consider?
Security, health, and quality of life of people already living in Canada.
Fill in the blank: Immigration creates a mix of _______.
[cultures]
True or False: Immigration only benefits the newcomers in Canada.
False
What is one challenge immigration poses for Canada?
Balancing the needs of newcomers with those of existing residents.
What specific skills does Canada look for in immigrants during labour shortages?
Skills that fill demand for workers in particular jobs.
What year was the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act enacted?
2002
What is the primary purpose of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act?
Establish categories of who can come to Canada to make permanent homes
What percentage of immigrants came as Refugees in 2006?
13%
Who qualifies as Family Class under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act?
Spouses, partners, children, parents, and grandparents of people living in Canada
What percentage of immigrants were classified as Family Class in 2006?
28%
What does the ‘Other’ category in immigration classification refer to?
People accepted for humanitarian or compassionate reasons
What percentage of immigrants fell into the ‘Other’ category in 2006?
4%
List some objectives of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- Pursue social, cultural and economic benefits for all Canadians
- Reunite families in Canada
- Respect the bilingual and multicultural character of Canada
- Support the development of minority official language communities
- Share the benefits of immigration across all regions
- Promote successful integration of immigrants
What type of immigrants are classified as Economic Immigrants?
Skilled workers and businesspeople
True or False: The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act aims to promote the successful integration of immigrants into Canadian society.
True
Fill in the blank: The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act recognizes that integration involves _______.
mutual obligations for new immigrants and Canadian society
What is one of the underlying values reflected in the objectives of the act?
Respect for multiculturalism
How does the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act support a prosperous economy?
By sharing the benefits of immigration across all regions of Canada
What is the federal department responsible for implementing Canada’s immigration legislation?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
This department oversees immigration policies and laws in Canada.
What demographic issue is Canada facing regarding its population growth?
The number of births will equal the number of deaths between 2025 and 2030
This situation implies that immigration will be necessary for population growth.
How does immigration contribute to Canada’s economy?
By supporting economic growth and demographic changes
Immigration has historically transformed Canada’s population and economy.
What will happen to Canada’s labour force growth between 2011 and 2016 without immigration?
It will shrink
The number of Canadians entering the labour force will equal the number retiring.
What significant change in immigration policy occurred in 2007?
Canada accepted more than 250,000 immigrants
This was one of the highest numbers in the last 50 years.
What is the difference between a law and a policy?
A law describes principles or conditions; a policy describes government objectives within the law
Immigration law dictates who can enter Canada, while immigration policy regulates evaluation procedures.
True or False: Immigration has played a role in shaping Canadian society and culture.
True
Waves of immigration have built and transformed Canada’s population.
Fill in the blank: Immigration law says who is allowed into Canada, while immigration policy sets the procedures for _______.
evaluating immigrants
This includes determining the number of people allowed into Canada annually.
What are the key benefits of immigration identified for Canada?
Economic growth, population growth, and cultural transformation
Immigration helps to mitigate demographic challenges faced by Canada.
What is a potential consequence of the demographic changes Canada is experiencing?
Slowing labour force growth
This can impact economic growth and sustainability.
What is the point system for accepting immigrants?
A criteria Canada uses to decide who to accept as immigrants
The point system was introduced in 1967 and applies only to economic immigrants.
Which groups do not qualify under the point system?
Refugees and family-class immigrants
They are exempt from the point system requirements.
What percentage of immigrants to Canada are economic immigrants?
The biggest group of immigrants to Canada
Economic immigrants include skilled workers and professionals.
What health requirements must economic immigrants meet?
Proof of good health
Specific conditions can lead to refusal of entry.
What health condition could lead to refusal of entry due to risk to Canadians?
Tuberculosis
This condition is considered a risk to the health of Canadians.
What type of mental health condition could endanger public safety for immigrants?
A mental disorder
Such conditions can lead to refusal based on public safety concerns.
What does ‘excessive demand’ refer to in terms of health requirements for immigrants?
A condition that could strain Canada’s health services
Examples include HIV/AIDS.
True or False: Health requirements apply to refugees entering Canada.
False
Refugees are not subject to the same health requirements as economic immigrants.
What are some advantages of Canada’s point system?
Merit-based selection, attracts skilled workers
This system can help meet labor market needs.
What are some disadvantages of Canada’s point system?
Potential bias, may overlook family reunification
Critics argue it may not address all immigration needs.
Fill in the blank: The point system for immigrants was introduced in _______.
1967
This system has been in place for several decades.
What should be considered when developing criteria for accepting new immigrants?
What Canadians need, fairness to applicants
Group discussions can help form comprehensive criteria.
What current issues related to immigration should be monitored in local newspapers?
Debates on immigration policies
Engaging with media can provide insights into public opinion.
How do Canada’s current immigration laws differ from the past?
No one is excluded based on race or country of origin
Previously, Canada favored immigrants of British ancestry and restricted immigration from Asian countries.
What system evaluates immigrants in Canada today?
The point system evaluates people based on skills and education.
What was the immigration policy for people from India in the past?
Allowed entry only if they sailed directly from India without stopping.
What incident involved the Komagata Maru?
Passengers were not allowed off the ship due to restrictive immigration policies.
What happened to the passengers of the Komagata Maru?
The ship was forced to return to Asia after two months.
What was the head tax?
A fixed fee required from every Chinese immigrant between 1885 and 1923.
How did the head tax affect immigration from China?
It discouraged immigration from China.
What group has made up the largest share of immigrants to Canada for more than a decade?
People from Asia.
What formal action did Canada’s government take in 2006 regarding the head tax?
The government formally apologized to Canada’s Chinese citizens.
True or False: Canada previously allowed unrestricted immigration from all countries.
False.
Fill in the blank: Canada’s immigration policies have changed over time to become more _______.
inclusive.
What was a major consequence of the restrictive immigration policies in the past?
Protests and legal challenges from excluded groups.
What was the main reason for the protests by people from India in 1914?
To challenge Canada’s restrictive immigration policies.
What is the legal framework for refugees in Canada?
The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
This act establishes the categories and policies regarding refugees in Canada.
When did Canada sign the U.N. Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees?
1951
This convention outlines the rights of refugees and the responsibilities of nations to protect them.
What significant change occurred in Canada’s refugee policy in 1976?
Canada made refugees one of its immigration categories
This change allowed Canada to accept refugees steadily rather than on a crisis basis.
What is one objective of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act?
Save lives and offer protection to people who are displaced and persecuted
This reflects Canada’s commitment to humanitarian ideals.
What commitment does Canada fulfill by protecting refugees?
Canada’s international commitments to protect refugees
This includes obligations under international law and agreements.
What does Canada aim to provide to those facing persecution?
Fair consideration to people who claim to be persecuted
This is part of Canada’s humanitarian response to refugee claims.
Fill in the blank: Refugees are persons who seek refuge in another country because of _______.
[danger or persecution in their home country]
What types of persecution does Canada offer refuge from?
Persecution because of:
* Race
* Religion
* Political opinion
* Membership in a social group
* Torture or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment
These categories reflect the various reasons individuals may seek asylum.
True or False: Canada accepted 37,000 Hungarian refugees in 1956.
True
These refugees were fleeing from a government that did not tolerate opposition.
What critical thinking challenge is posed regarding the acceptance of refugees into Canada?
What issues might arise from accepting refugees into Canada?
This question encourages exploration of the complexities and challenges associated with refugee resettlement.
What do language qualifications apply to in the context of immigration?
Economic immigrants
Language qualifications do not apply to family-class immigrants or refugees.
What factors influence immigration laws and policies in Canada?
Individual and collective rights of Canadians
This includes perspectives on Supreme Court decisions and First Nations views.
What perspectives are presented in this section regarding immigration policy?
Views from the Supreme Court on individual rights and refugees, First Nations perspectives, issues for Francophones in Alberta
Interviews are included to highlight these issues.
What two languages are primarily spoken by immigrants to Canada according to the 2006 data?
French and English
53% speak English, 5% speak French.
What percentage of immigrants reported speaking neither French nor English in 2006?
33%
This indicates a significant portion of immigrants who do not speak Canada’s official languages.
What are the top five first languages of immigrants to Canada in 2006?
- Mandarin
- English
- Arabic
- Punjabi
- Spanish
This diversity highlights the linguistic landscape of Canadian immigration.
How might the language data connect to issues raised by immigration for Canada’s official language groups?
It raises concerns about integration, access to services, and cultural representation
Language proficiency can impact economic opportunities and social inclusion.
What types of rights are explored in relation to immigration in this section?
Individual rights and collective rights
These rights can create opportunities and challenges for different groups in Canada.
What is the significance of exploring opportunities and challenges created by immigration?
It provides insight into the effects on groups with collective rights in Canada
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for informed policy-making.
What is the Singh decision?
A 1985 Supreme Court decision in Canada that established the right to a hearing for refugee claimants
The decision is commemorated on April 4 as Refugee Rights Day
Who was Satnam Singh?
An individual from India seeking refugee status in Canada whose case led to the Singh decision
His application was rejected under the Immigration Act, 1976
What did the Immigration Act, 1976, lack regarding refugee claims?
It did not allow individuals to state their case in person or appeal the government’s decision
This limitation was central to the Supreme Court’s ruling
Which section of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms was violated in the Singh decision?
Section 7
This section guarantees rights to life, liberty, and security of the person
What does the Supreme Court’s interpretation of ‘everyone’ in the Charter imply?
It means everyone physically present in Canada, regardless of citizenship
This interpretation expands the protection of rights to non-citizens
What rights were established for people claiming refugee status in Canada after the Singh decision?
The right to a hearing which they attend in person
This was a significant change in the treatment of refugee claims in Canada
What body was established in Canada as a result of the Singh decision?
The Immigration and Refugee Board
This board is responsible for providing quick and fair hearings for refugee claimants
What support does the Canadian government provide to people seeking refugee status?
Necessities of life while they wait for a hearing
This support reflects the government’s commitment to humanitarian principles
True or False: The rights in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms apply only to Canadian citizens.
False
The rights protect every person in Canada, regardless of citizenship, except for democratic rights
Fill in the blank: Every person who seeks refugee status in Canada has a _______ with the Immigration and Refugee Board.
face-to-face hearing
This is a right established by the Singh decision
What type of rights do not apply to non-citizens in Canada according to the Charter?
Democratic rights
Examples include the right to vote
What are the collective rights of Aboriginal peoples in Canada?
Aboriginal peoples have collective rights under the constitution and a reasonable expectation to be consulted when the government makes decisions that fundamentally shape the future of the country.
This includes First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
What is the role of treaties and agreements between Aboriginal peoples and the government of Canada?
Treaties and agreements create a commitment for Canada and Aboriginal peoples to work together and share prosperity.
These agreements are foundational to the relationship between the government and Aboriginal communities.
What challenges do some Aboriginal peoples face?
Some Aboriginal peoples face health, education, and employment challenges linked to poverty and the impact of past policies and laws.
These challenges can hinder their full participation in Canada’s economy.
How can challenges faced by Aboriginal peoples impact Canada’s economy?
Challenges can create obstacles to full participation in Canada’s economy for individuals from First Nations, Inuit, or Métis communities.
This is particularly relevant when Canada needs more skilled workers.
What difficulties might individuals from Aboriginal communities encounter?
Individuals may face difficulty gaining access to educational, training, and employment opportunities.
Such barriers can limit their ability to contribute to the economy.
What is the critical thinking challenge related to the rights of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples?
The challenge is to consider the impact of these rights on how Canada sets immigration and other laws and policies.
This reflects the need to balance growth with respect for Aboriginal rights.
Who is Kathryn Lainchbury?
Kathryn Lainchbury is a Métis welding apprentice from Alberta.
Her story exemplifies the involvement of Aboriginal peoples in skilled trades.
What demographic trend is noted about Aboriginal peoples in Canada?
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples are the fastest-growing groups in Canada and are under-represented in the workforce.
This under-representation highlights the need for better engagement in the economy.
How can engaging Aboriginal peoples in Canada’s economy affect their quality of life?
More effectively engaging Aboriginal peoples can improve their quality of life, citizenship, and identity.
Economic participation is linked to greater social and cultural well-being.
What is the government’s goal regarding Aboriginal peoples and economic growth?
The government seeks to create a balanced way to support growth in Canada while meeting the needs and respecting the rights of all peoples.
This balance can lead to challenges in policy-making.
What was established by Canada in 2006 to assist Francophone communities?
A five-year plan to help Francophone communities in minority settings attract French-speaking immigrants
This plan aimed to address the needs of Francophones in Alberta.
What cities in Alberta have established centers to welcome Francophone immigrants?
Calgary and Edmonton
These centers help immigrants settle and integrate into the Francophone community.
What significant demographic change has occurred in Francophone schools in Alberta over the last ten years?
An increase in the number of African children
Previously, there were very few African children in these schools.
What is a major adjustment required for Francophone institutions in Alberta?
To welcome and integrate people from non-European cultures
This includes particularly those coming from French Africa.
What vision is needed for French-speaking immigration in Alberta?
A vision that recognizes the unique challenges of French-speaking immigrants
Many immigrants become statistics and do not engage in the Francophone community.
Fill in the blank: A symposium is an event where people share _______.
ideas
This concept encourages active citizenship and community engagement.
Who is Frank McMahon?
A former dean of Campus Saint-Jean, University of Alberta
He helped organize a Francophone symposium on integrating French-speaking immigrants.
Who is Paulin Mulatris?
A professor of sociology at Campus Saint-Jean, University of Alberta
He immigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo and contributed to the Francophone symposium.
What is one critical thinking challenge related to the perspectives of McMahon and Mulatris?
To analyze the similarities and differences in their perspectives on immigration
Evidence from the text should support conclusions.
Identify a connection between the chart on page 180 and the perspectives of McMahon and Mulatris.
Responses may vary based on the chart’s content
Analyzing this connection can reveal insights into immigration experiences.
How do provinces influence immigration policies in Canada?
Provinces control certain aspects of immigration to ensure it meets their needs.
What is the Provincial Nomination Program?
A program that allows provinces to ‘nominate’ a percentage of immigrants selected by Canada each year.
What can provinces specify under the Provincial Nomination Program?
Provinces can specify that they need immigrants with particular skills.
What is one capability provinces have under the Provincial Nomination Program?
Some provinces can set up their own immigration offices in foreign countries.
Can Canadian governments require immigrants to settle in specific places?
No, governments cannot require immigrants to settle in particular places or work in specific jobs.
How does the Provincial Nomination Program affect immigrant settlement?
It increases the likelihood that immigrants will settle in provinces matching their skills.
How many immigrants does Alberta currently receive annually?
About 20,000 immigrants.
What is the expected impact of the expanded Provincial Nomination Program on Alberta?
It will help increase and speed up the flow of immigrants to address labor shortages.
What role does industry play in immigration and employment according to Iris Evans?
Industry creates jobs that need workers.
Why did Alberta want to ‘speed up the flow’ of immigrants in 2007?
Due to economic reasons, specifically a boom in oil sands development.
What issues related to immigration might economic changes create?
Economic changes can create various challenges related to labor needs and immigrant integration.
What does the inclusion of employment, immigration, and industry in one ministry reflect?
It reflects government objectives concerning the interconnectedness of these sectors.
What challenges does Alberta face without enough immigrants?
Labour shortages in various economic sectors
Alberta’s economy relies heavily on a sufficient workforce to support growth and development.
How can Aboriginal peoples be part of the solution to meet labour shortages in Alberta?
By participating in the workforce and addressing skill gaps
Aboriginal communities can help fill positions in sectors with shortages.
How do the labour shortage challenges connect to the quality of life in Alberta?
They impact economic stability, job availability, and community services
Labour shortages can lead to increased costs and reduced access to essential services.
What workers does Alberta need to address labour shortages?
Workers in construction, transportation, manufacturing, resource development, retail, hospitality, agriculture, education, health, and social services
Specific roles include carpenters, truck drivers, chemical engineers, and healthcare professionals.
What percentage of immigration to Canada does Alberta receive?
18%
This percentage reflects the share of total immigrants settling in Alberta compared to other provinces.
Which sectors in Alberta reported worker shortages in 2006?
- Construction
- Transportation
- Manufacturing
- Resource development
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Agriculture
- Education, Health, Social Services
Each of these sectors has specific roles that are in high demand.
In which year did Alberta’s Minister of Employment, Immigration and Industry highlight the issue of labour shortages?
2007
This statement indicated growing concerns about workforce availability.
Fill in the blank: Alberta’s economy faced labour shortages in the year _______.
2006
Various sectors reported significant worker shortages that year.
True or False: Agriculture is one of the sectors in Alberta facing labour shortages.
True
Farm labourers are specifically mentioned as needed in Alberta.
If you were responsible for setting immigration priorities for Alberta, what skills would you ask the federal government to target?
Skills relevant to construction, healthcare, and transportation sectors
Targeting these skills can help alleviate the identified labour shortages.
What survey indicated the extent of worker shortages in Alberta in 2006?
A survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses
This survey provided data on the percentage of businesses reporting shortages.
What is the Canada-Québec Accord?
A specific agreement with Québec.
What can Québec do under the Canada-Québec Accord regarding immigration?
Nominate the percentage of immigrants to Canada that corresponds to its population within Canada.
What requirement does the Canada-Québec Accord impose on immigrants settling in Québec?
They must send their children to French-language schools.
What type of immigrants does Québec seek under the Canada-Québec Accord?
Immigrants whose first language is French.
What percentage of French-speaking immigrants to Canada settle in Québec each year?
About 75 percent.
Do more non-Francophone or Francophone immigrants settle in Québec?
More non-Francophone immigrants settle in Québec than Francophone immigrants.
What is the definition of ‘accord’?
A formal agreement.
In which city does Québec have an immigration office under the Canada-Québec Accord?
Damascus, Syria.
Why do many people in the Middle East have some knowledge of French?
Because France controlled parts of the Middle East during the twentieth century.
What is Canada’s government’s stance on recruiting French-speaking immigrants?
It endorses recruiting French-speaking immigrants from Syria and other countries.
How might immigrants from the Middle East help affirm Francophone identity in Canada?
Critical thinking question, answer varies.
