13.2 Changing Patterns of Immigration and Demographic Shifts

Canada's immigration policies have evolved significantly since the 1960s. The points system and new legislation aimed to attract skilled immigrants and protect refugees, while family reunification remained a key objective. These changes reshaped the demographic landscape of the nation.

The shifting demographics led to a more diverse population, with immigrants concentrated in urban areas. An aging population and declining birth rates posed challenges, making immigration crucial for maintaining population growth and economic stability.

Immigration Policies and Legislation

Points System and Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

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• Points system introduced in 1967 to assess immigrants based on education, skills, and other factors rather than race or nationality
• Points system aimed to attract skilled immigrants who could contribute to Canada's economy and society
• Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) passed in 2001 to replace the Immigration Act of 1976
• IRPA set out objectives for Canada's immigration program, including family reunification, economic development, and refugee protection
• IRPA introduced new classes of immigrants, such as the Canadian Experience Class for foreign students and temporary workers

Family Reunification and Refugee Policies

• Family reunification a key objective of Canada's immigration policy, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor family members
• Family reunification includes spouses, partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents
• Refugee policies aim to provide protection to individuals fleeing persecution, war, or violence
• Canada has a long history of accepting refugees, including Hungarian refugees in the 1950s and Vietnamese boat people in the 1970s
• Canada's refugee system includes government-assisted refugees, privately sponsored refugees, and asylum seekers who make claims within Canada

Shifting Demographics

Source Countries and Urban Concentration

• Source countries for immigrants to Canada have shifted over time, with increasing numbers from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
• Top source countries in recent years include India, China, Philippines, Pakistan, and Syria
• Immigrants tend to settle in urban areas, particularly major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver
• Urban concentration of immigrants can lead to the formation of ethnic enclaves and diverse neighborhoods (Chinatowns, Little Italys)

Visible Minorities

• Visible minorities are defined as persons, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in color
• Visible minority population in Canada has grown significantly due to immigration, from 4.7% in 1981 to 22.3% in 2016
• Largest visible minority groups in Canada include South Asians, Chinese, Blacks, Filipinos, and Arabs
• Visible minorities face unique challenges, such as discrimination, language barriers, and cultural differences

Population Trends

Aging Population

• Canada's population is aging due to increased life expectancy and lower birth rates
• Median age of the Canadian population has risen from 26.2 years in 1971 to 40.8 years in 2016
• Proportion of seniors (aged 65 and older) has increased from 8% in 1971 to 16.9% in 2016
• Aging population has implications for healthcare, pension systems, and the labor force

Birth Rates

• Birth rates in Canada have declined over time, from a total fertility rate of 3.94 children per woman in 1959 to 1.47 in 2020
• Factors contributing to lower birth rates include delayed childbearing, increased education and labor force participation among women, and changing societal norms
• Low birth rates, combined with an aging population, can lead to concerns about population growth and the sustainability of social programs
• Immigration plays a crucial role in maintaining population growth and offsetting the effects of low birth rates