Archive - The Canadian Immigrant

The Canadian immigrant is many things, from many countries, looking to make a place for themselves in a new home.

The Canadian immigrant has numerous cultures from all over the world, speaks many different languages, and has many different histories and ancestries. Canada and the Canadian public view this diversity as a national strength and advantage. Canadians are proud of the diversity of their population.

While many citizens and residents of Canada consider themselves Canadian, many identify with another ethnic background as well.

Everyone in Canada is made to feel proud of their origins and this in itself can be argued to be an essential element of what one might call “Canadian Patriotism.” Canada has been built and maintained by a steady influx of immigration, which has reinforced Canada’s dedication to a life of peace and prosperity.

According to the most recent census, Canadians speak over 200 languages. Nearly 60 percent of Canadians identify themselves as English-speaking, in that it is the language they use in their workplace, school, and at home. Another 25 per cent of the population considers themselves French-speaking (most reside in the province of Quebec). Allophones (people whose first language is neither French nor English) represent nearly 20 per cent of Canada's population. After English and French, the third most widely used is the Chinese languages, followed by Italian and German. Rounding out the top ten are Punjabi, Spanish, Arabic, Tagalog, and Portuguese.

Canada’s greatest resources are not its oil, diamonds, or lumber – but its people. Canada as a nation relies on its citizens, its residents, and its new arrivals to carry out the Canadian dream for all residents to share.