The Canadian Immigration System: Policy and Patterns
Foster Immigration
The Public Policy Framework
Outline of Presentation: The Canadian Immigration System
Foster Immigration
The Public Policy Framework
History of Immigration Policy: The Three Forms
The Forms of Immigration: From a White-Settler Colony to a Post-Racial Society & From an Agricultural to a Post-industrial Society “Closed Policy" – was inclined toward formalizing a practice that existed since Confederation of recruiting only designated newcomers from only designated countries. This closed policy resulted in targeted or selective immigration practices which guaranteed the bulk of newcomers were, and would remain, of „preferred‟ European stock. “Open Policy" – Canada abandoned its “White-Settler Colony” mentality, country of origin was no longer a criterion in immigration selecting, and admission requirements were to be based on individual personal characteristics [mapped by a „point system‟], supporting the rise of a “PostRacial Society” mentality. “Restrictive Policy“- began in 1978 and is associated with specific yearly immigration target levels, coupled with a closer scrutiny of the immigrant's potential labor market impact, characterized by the rise of “Designer immigration.”
Foster Immigration
The Public Policy Framework
History of Canada’s Immigration Policy: The Eight Periods
“When I speak of quality, I have in mind something that is quite different from what is in the mind of the average writer or speaker upon the question of immigration. I think of a stalwart peasant in a sheep-skin coat, born on the soil, whose forefathers have been farmers for generations, with a stout wife and half-a-dozen children, is good quality.” Sir Clifford Sifton, 1922
Foster Immigration
The Public Policy Framework
MAJOR HISTORICAL TRENDS
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The Shift in the Economic Base From an Agricultural to a PostIndustrial Foundation Corresponds to the Demographic and Cognitive Shift From a “White-Settler Colony” to a “Post-Racial Society.” Historically, at the Collective Level, the “Form of Immigration”icy to Open Policy to Restricted Policy Characterized by “Designer Immigration.” Historically, at the Individual Level, the Criteria for Admission has Shifted From “Absorptive Capacity” To “Adaptive Capacity.” Historically, at the Mode of Production Level, the More Complex Developments in the Economic Infrastructure (Mode of Production) have Corresponded to the More Complex Social Differentiations in Society.



History of Canada‟s Immigration Policy – Forms and Periods Immigration in Canada Today: A General Picture • Immigration levels • Regions of origin • Types of immigrants • Where immigrants settle Policy Challenge: Immigrant‟s skills and credentials are not utilized – The Foreign Credentials Gap