1. A warm welcome. Canada is often referred to as a land of immigrants because millions of newcomers have settled there, beginning with colonists from France and Britain, and later incorporating migrants from every corner of the globe[1].
In 1937, John Buchan, the 1st Baron Tweedsmuir and later Governor General of Canada (1935-40) said immigrant groups “should retain their individuality and each make its contribution to the national character,” a philosophy that is carried forward in Canada’s Multiculturalism policy today[2].
2. You will be making a vital contribution to Canada’s population growth. Since the fertility rate in Canada is only 1.68 children per female, the majority of Canada’s population growth is due to immigration[3].
3. Anyone who enjoys the wide open spaces will love Canada, with its population density of 3.75 people per square kilometre – the lowest in the world[4].
4. Canada is one of the world’s richest nations, boasting an impressively high income per capita of US$36,138 in 2012[5]. It is also a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Group of Eight (G8).
5. The quality of life in Canada is absolutely first-rate, and Canada is constantly receiving awards and accolades to affirm this. Vancouver was ranked as the 5th most liveable city in the world in 2012, and awarded 9th place for infrastructure. Ottawa and Toronto were not far behind on the world liveability scale, coming in at 14th and 15th place[6].
6. The opportunities for employment in Canada are plentiful, and potential migrants with a skilled trade behind them will find that their chances of successfully applying for migration to Canada are significantly increased. Opportunities are also rife for businessmen and investors whose work will help to increase Canada’s already flourishing economy.
7. Canada’s climate and environment are one of the main reasons that Canada is such a successful country. The blend of natural resources and climate sustains the resident population. The seasons dictate the look of the land: according to whether the natural environment is in a state of dormancy or growth. Canada’s climate is characterized by its diversity, as temperature and precipitation differ depending on where you are and what time of year it is. Other than the North where it’s above freezing for only a few months a year, most Canadian cities are within 300 km of the southern border, where mild springs, hot summers and pleasantly crisp autumns are common during the majority of the year[7].
8. An open, democratic society. Canada is a democratic constitutional monarchy, with a Sovereign as symbolic head of State and an elected Prime Minister as head of Government. Canada has a federal system of parliamentary government based on the Westminster model. Government responsibilities and functions are shared between federal, provincial and territorial governments. Federal responsibilities are carried out by the Monarchy and the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of Government[8]. Canadians enjoy full political participation and freedom of expression, with the later extending to all sections of society and the media.
9. Sports and outdoor life are very popular in Canada. The national winter sport of ice hockey is a national pastime and by far the country’s most popular spectator sport. Lacrosse, curling, Canadian football, golf, baseball, skiing, snowboarding, soccer, basketball and volleyball are also widely played and supported.
10. As a Country that boasts breathtaking scenery as well as first-rate urban life, Canada is one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations. Owing to its size, many Canadians choose to holiday within the country, with eye-opening cities such as Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal to visit, as well as the stunning scenery of Niagara falls and Gatineau National Park.
[1] http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/backgrounders/2011/2011-06-27.asp
[2] ibid
[3] ibid
[4] http://www.tradingeconomics.com/canada/population-density-people-per-sq-km-wb-data.html
[5] http://www.conferenceboard.ca/hcp/details/economy/income-per-capita.aspx
[6] http://www.mercer.com/qualityoflivingpr#city-rankings
[7] http://yourcanada.ca/climate/ [8] http://www.canada.ca/aboutgov-ausujetgouv/structure/menu-eng.html
