Why are so many immigrants coming to Canada?

[toby]

I'm trying to determine if Canada is a relatively popular destination for those who want to leave their own countries, and if so what are the reasons?   

It is my impression that a disproportionately large number of emigrants want to come to Canada.  I don't have the facts to support this impression; does anyone have the actual stat so comparing Canada to other countries?

Second, are there any studies explaining WHY emigrants choose one country over another?  In short, why Canada? Our winters are cold; the summers are short; the mosquitoes are large; and the cost of living is high along with a high tax rate. 

On the other hand, the cities are relatively clean and safe, the people are friendly, the social programs appeal to the disadvantaged, and ... what else?

 

[scylla]

http://www.migrationinformation.org/datahub/charts/6.1.shtml

[scylla]

Some reasons why:

http://www.immigration.net.in/top-ten-reasons-why-canada-is-a-popular-immigration-destination/

[steaky]

I agree with this poster - so that our children can have better options:

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/what-is-resp-why-we-have-to-start-an-resp-t78632.0.html