From September 8th to 17th, Canada is coming together to celebrate #WelcomingWeek2023, encouraging Canadians to warmly welcome newcomers and support their smooth transition into their new home.
IRCC describes Welcoming Week as an annual event that provides an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate newcomers. Ensuring that everyone feels an integral part of their community, regardless of their origins.
According to the 2021 census data, Canada has approximately 8.3 million immigrants, constituting nearly a quarter of the population. Statistics Canada projects that the immigrant population will continue to grow, reaching 34% of the total population by 2041.
In addition, IRCC emphasizes that the more newcomers are embraced and made to feel welcome, the more successful their integration will be, allowing them to make valuable contributions to their communities.
Are you interested in Moving to Canada? Fill out our Free Assessment form and determine if you’re eligible to immigrate to Canada.
The Significance of Immigration in Canada
Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, recently underscored the main advantages of immigration in a public statement.
Embracing newcomers brings significant benefits. Immigration has driven our economic progress and constitutes a pivotal component of our strategy to tackle the challenges our aging population poses. He articulated that immigrants play a fundamental role in Canada’s cultural and economic tapestry, whether driving innovation across a multitude of sectors, addressing labor market gaps, or generating employment opportunities.
Immigration constitutes nearly 100% of Canada’s labor force growth and approximately 75% of its population expansion. Furthermore, most newcomers entering Canada do so through programs geared toward skilled workers, falling under the economic class immigration category.
Besides, Canada’s economic resilience heavily relies on immigration. Data from Statistics Canada reveals that in the third quarter of 2022, businesses predominantly owned by immigrants accounted for 24.4% of all private sector enterprises.
In 2022, Canada warmly welcomed over 437,000 new immigrants. The nation’s immigration levels plan sets an ambitious target of admitting 465,000 newcomers by the conclusion of 2023, with this figure set to increase to over 500,000 new permanent residents permitted annually by the end of 2025.
#ImmigrationMatters: Welcoming Week and IRCC’s Awareness Campaign
Welcoming Week forms a vital component of the IRCC’s #ImmigrationMatters campaign, aimed at spotlighting the advantages of immigration in Canada. This initiative actively encourages widespread participation and provides numerous suggestions for how Canadians can contribute.
IRCC proposes a distinctive approach to engage with Welcoming Week: reaching out to organizations offering settlement services and becoming matched with a newcomer. This connection enables individuals to assist newcomers in navigating the intricacies of daily life in their new community. Additionally, it encourages both Canadians and recent newcomers to share meals or participate in cultural events together. Connecting with a newcomer can be as straightforward as engaging in conversation to improve English or French language skills.
Enhanced Sense of Belonging Among Immigrants
Recent research conducted by Statistics Canada reveals that immigrants often experience a more profound sense of belonging in Canada compared to individuals born in the country. This phenomenon stands out among individuals who choose to settle in Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Labrador.
This heightened sense of belonging carries significant implications. It correlates with newcomers becoming more actively engaged in their communities, forging stronger social connections. And ultimately deciding to make Canada their permanent home, thereby contributing to the nation’s economy.
In addition, study identifies several factors contributing to this sense of belonging, including newcomers’ positive perceptions of Canada’s multicultural policies. Their appreciation for the country’s unique Charter of Rights and Freedoms. And their recognition of the significance of Canada’s national symbols in shaping Canadian identity.
Are you interested in Moving to Canada? Fill out our Free Assessment form and determine if you’re eligible to immigrate to Canada.
