Immigration and Ethnocultural Diversity in Canada

Do you know?

• Canada had about 20.6% foreign-born population of the total population in 2011. The population was approximately 6,775,800, and it was the highest proportion among G8 countries.
• Around 1,162,900 foreign-born individuals immigrate to Canada between 2006 and 2011.
• During the last five years, Asia is one of the largest sources of Canada’s immigration, including the Middle East.
• Statistics of the 2016 census show that Ontario had 3^rd and Brampton has the 4^th largest visible minority population in Canada.
• The majority of the foreign-born population lived in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec provinces.
• As stated by the National Household Survey (NHS) in 2011, more than 200 ethnic origins we reported. There 13 different ancestors that have exceeds the 1-million mark.
• Canada has two official languages, including English and French. Till now, about 23.8% reported English, and 3.4% of immigrants reported French as their tongue. Apart from these, Chinese, Tagalog, Spanish, Philippines, and Punjabi.
• About two-third (over 22.1 million) of Canada’s population was allied with the Christian religion. Similarly, 3.2% Muslim, 1.5% Hindus, 1.4% Sikhs, 1.1% Buddhists, and 1% Jewish.  

This information shows Canada is one of the most immigrant-friendly and multicultural countries. Its ethnocultural structure changes by immigrants over time. Every single immigrant contributes to the nation’s ethnic and cultural composition.

Canada is a nation with an ethnocultural variety, visible minority population, linguistic characteristics, and religious diversity. Here is a glimpse of Canada’s immigration and ethnocultural diversity.

Immigration in Canada

As one of the world’s top immigration destinations, over 250,000 new migration arrives in Canada every year. Canada has a strong economy and a progressive immigration system.

As predicted by the Canadian government’s statistics department, over half of Canada’s working-age people will be born overseas by 2031. Among G8 countries, Canada has a relatively highest population from abroad. Canada is ahead of Germany and the United States in this case.

Europe had been the largest source of Canada’s immigration, but recently, Asia grabs the place. Gradually, Canada has a considerable amount of immigration from;

• Italy
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Netherlands
• Africa
• Caribbean
• Central
• South America
• And so on.

Current Immigration Programs

There has never been a better time to apply for a Canadian visa. The government of Canada has made this easy for the applicants through the IRCC website. They arranged different programs for immigrants with diverse capabilities. Here is a brief of current immigration programs.

• Skilled Worker Category- A popular immigration program for zskilled and experienced individuals.
• Business Immigration Category- It is designed to attract skilled business persons to come to Canada.
• Provincial Nominee Program- A program for employers in Quebec and other provinces. It helps the employer to hire migrant workers.
• Family Immigration Program- A program designed for allowing the family members of Canadian citizens. It’s a program under family reunion and refugees.

Visible Minority Population

The visible minority is an individual who is non-Caucasian in race or non-white. Currently, about 6,264,800 people identified themselves as visible minorities. The amount of visible minorities represents approximately 19.1% of the total population.

Here 30.9% of people were Canadian by born, and 65.1% were born outside of Canada. They came to Canada as an immigrant. Among them, about 4% visible minority population is non-PR.

As per the record of 2011, the three largest minority groups are Chinese, South Asians, and Black-accounted. Apart from them, Latin Americans, Filipinos, Arabs, Southeast Asians, Koreans, West Asians, and Japanese.

Ethnocultural Diversity

Canada is a multicultural country that represents almost all ethnic groups from around the globe. The ethnic diversity of Canada leads the country to be a welcoming country.

Moreover, Canada is home to a large number of indigenous people, including First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities. European groups such as English, French, Irish, and Scottish are the first to settle in Canada.

Also, individuals in international migration include German, Italian, Chinese, Dutch, Somali, and Lebanese.  Canada’s national policy for multiculturalism confirms that people’s traditions and cultures are respected and preserved.

Religious Diversity

Along with ethnic diversity, Canada is a place for people with all religions. The largest religion in Canada is affiliated with the Christian faith. The amount is about two-third of the total population.

With the changing immigration pattern, the proportion of other religions is increasing. People in Canada are also allied with other religions, including Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists.

After the Christian faith, the second largest immigrant’s religion is Muslim. The most significant shares of Muslim immigrant comes from Pakistan, Hindus, and Sikh from India, and Buddhist comes from China.

Linguistic Diversity

Canada is one of the renowned countries that has two official languages, including English and French. A large portion of French-speaking Canadian lives in Quebec. In the rest provinces, English is considered as the primary language.

In addition to these two, Chinese is another most-speaking language in Canada. Others speak in Cantonese, Mandarin, Philippines, Punjabi, Arabic, German, Italian, Portuguese, Persian, Arabic, and Spanish. All in all, Canada is a great place to migrate to. If you haven’t applied yet, do it now.