Mangat & Company : Canada Information Sheet

"This country was built by immigrants and refugees. Throughout our history, immigrants and refugees have come to our shores seeking a better future for themselves and their families. With the exception of our aboriginal peoples, we are all immigrants or refugees, or descendants of immigrants or refugees. This shared experience is central to how Canadians see themselves, and how the rest of the world sees Canada. I am determined to ensure that Canada remains an open and inviting destination for immigrants"

The Honourable Elinor Caplan, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Address to the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Immigration Section, November 26, 1999.



	There are some basic facts that you may wish to know about Canada when making your determination as to whether to apply to immigrate to Canada. Canada is viewed as one of the most desirable countries in the world in which to live. In fact, the United Nations Human Development Index ranked Canada as the #1 country in world in which to live for overall quality of life in 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, and again, in 1999. Initially a British colony, Canada is now a constitutional monarchy and a federal state with a democratic parliament. Canada became a country on July 1, 1867, when the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick joined Confederation. Other provinces have since joined the country: Manitoba (1870), British Columbia (1871), Prince Edward Island (1873), Saskatchewan (1905), Alberta (1905), and Newfoundland (1949). In addition, Canada has three territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut). Canada is the second largest country in the world in terms of land mass. Its population is now over 30 million people. Although Ottawa, Ontario is the nation's capital, the three largest cities are Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Although Canada's official languages are English and French, you will often hear many different languages spoken. Canada's geography is extremely diverse and includes fertile plains, vast mountain ranges, sunny orchards, large lakes, beautiful rivers, wilderness forests, pristine coastline, Arctic tundra and permanently frozen icecaps. The economy in Canada is also very diverse and stable. Although traditionally much of Canada's economy was based on natural resources, the economy is now greatly diversified and includes high technology, tourism, manufacturing, information technology, arts and entertainment and services. Canada ranks sixth in the world in terms of standard of living (measured according to gross domestic product per capita), behind only the United States, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Germany and Japan. As a result, Canada has one of the finest health care systems in the world. A cornerstone of Canadian society is the concept of multiculturalism. Canada has always been a diverse country and will continue to be so in the future. Already approximately 40% of the Canadian population has one origin other than British, French or Aboriginal. In 1971, Canada became the first country in the world to officially adopt a multiculturalism policy. This policy affirms that Canada recognizes and values its rich ethnic and racial diversity. In fact, Canada has often been called a "nation of immigrants". This is because all Canadians - except the Aboriginal people - share common immigrant origins. Canada continues to accept immigrants from every part of the world. For example, in 1992, people from more than 200 different countries came to Canada. The importance of immigration to Canadian society has been recognized by the federal government of Canada as well as in the Canadian courts. In 1997, an Angus Reid survey was performed with respect to the attitudes of people around the world toward Canada, and the views of Canadians themselves. In general, people from around the world, including Canadians, are impressed with Canada and the overall quality of life available to people in Canada. Reasons for this impression included the natural beauty of Canada, the degree of personal freedom enjoyed by Canadians, the warmth and good attitude of Canadian people and the peaceful nature of our country.

Mangat Law Professional Corporation
Barristers & Solicitors
351 Parkhurst Square # 21
Brampton, Ontario L6T 0C2
Canada

Tel: (905) 790-1150
Fax:(905) 790-7300
Email: info@cdn-immigrationlawyers.com