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The end of World War II
The end of World War II sparked a huge change in the general attitude towards the idea of immigration. The experiences of the second World War and the aftermath had a large effect on the attitudes toward foreigners and immigrants. Canadians became more receptive towards the idea, and more empathetic towards immigrant communities already established during the war, due to the Axis Force occupying their home countries. However, immigration policies still remained very restrictive during this time. -
Italians Removed from "Enemy Alien" Category
During and after the war, Italians especially the ones that lived in Canada were given the name "enemy alien" and were usually interned in camps. Then in 1947 the Enemy Aliens Act allowed Italians to once again migrate to Canada, many Italian's migrated. Canada during this time needed to fill jobs so this was the perfect opportunity for the Italians. Many Italian immigrants in Toronto began work as labourers or artisans in the expanding construction industry. (The Global Gathering Place) -
Canadian Citizenship Act Comes into Effect
The Canadian Citizenship Act enabled residents in Canada to become Canadian citizens no matter where they came from. They would need for either need to have lived in Canada for 5 years and have satisfactory English or French, lived in Canada for 20 consecutive years, or served in either World Wars. This would help to grow Canada's autonomy and stop racial tensions. (Canadian Citizenship Act, 1947) http://www.pier21.ca/research/immigration-history/canadian-citizenship-act-1947 -
Start of displaced persons movement
Prime Minister King made a statement in the House about Canada's immigration policy. "The policy of the government is to foster the growth of the population of Canada by the encouragement of immigration. The government will seek by legislation, regulation, and vigorous administration, to ensure the careful selection and permanent settlement of such numbers of immigrants as can be absorbed in our national economy." (ccrweb.ca) -
Chinese Immigration Act of 1913 is Revoked
The Chinese Immigration Act of 1913 virtually stopped all Chinese from immigrating to Canada. The only exceptions to this banning were students, merchants and diplomats. After 24 years this law was finally revoked and people of Chinese origin could once again legally come into Canada. (Canada: Chinese Immigrants) http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/chinese-immigration-act/ -
Hungarians Come to Canada
Between the years 1948-1952 about 12,000 displaced persons or Hungarians came to Canada. They filled many job spots and really benefited the Canadian economy. These immigrants tended to be more skilled and better educated. In times of prosperity most Hungarians did well for themselves(The Canadian Encyclopedia) The Hungarian people found jobs such as farmers, business people, and store owners. Most Hungarian's had to sign 2 year contracts when entering Canada and moved to large cities(Pier 21) -
Order-In-Council Changed Measures on Immigration Selection
The preference was maintained for British, Irish, French and U.S. immigrants. The categories of admissible European immigrants were expanded to include healthy applicants of good character with skills and who could readily integrate. The order gave wide discretion for refusals and Blacks continued to be for the most part excluded. This showed mass roles of discrimination for Canada's immigration policies. (Canadian Council for Refugees) -
Germans Removed from the Category "Enemy Aliens"
After WWII German's were given the name "enemy aliens" and were not as accepted after the whole Hitler disaster. Then when Canada decided to remove them from the enemy alien list, many started to migrate to Canada to find new opportunities. Many came with families. The significant number of Germans who came into Canada annually were 23,000 between 1950-1957. The German's were facing major diasporic experiences because when they got to Canada they were still not financially stable (Schulze 306) -
New Immigration Act
The effect of the new act was to reinforce the authority of the governorincouncil, and invest the minister of citizenship and immigration with wide-ranging powers. As in previous legislation, the GIC was authorized to make regulations prohibiting immigrants based on their nationality, ethnicity, occupation, and customs. The new act was intended to simplify the administration of immigration policy, it decreased the efficiency of immigration procedures. (Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21) -
Hungarian Refugees Come to Canada
The Soviets had taken control of Hungary and the Hungarians were angry and wanted the Soviets out of their country. They started a revolution which the Soviets quickly ruined with tanks. 250,00 Hungarians fled and Canada accepted 37,000 refugees. Canada even gave the refugees opportunities like going to school, learning English, and getting jobs in the forestry industry. Canada let these Hungarians come in because of the Suez crisis and important economy factors (Making Canada home 84) -
World Refugee Year
World refugee year was officially launched on June 28th 1959. It was created by the United Nations who started a program to clear refugee camps in Europe. Over 70 nations issued stamps to promote World Refugee Year (Postalhistorycorner.blogspot.ca) -
Caribbean Immigration to Canada
Between the years of 1920 - 1960 there was basically no immigration from Caribbean people. The number of immigrants really started to pick up as the 1960's started. During the time period between 1960 and 1971, where Canada saw increased immigration from Caribbeans, about 64 000 people were accepted. It is believed to be because of the effects of the Canadian Immigration Act. (Labelle) http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/caribbean-people/ -
Bill of Rights was introduced
The Canadian Bill of Rights is a federal statute and bill of rights enacted by Parliament of Canada on August 10, 1960. It provides Canadians with certain quasi-constitutional rights at Canadian federal law in relation to other federal statutes. it is an act for the Recognition and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. it has set category's on the human rights that apply to citizens. (Justice Laws Website) -
Point system was established
For the point system of Canada, this is the test that must be passed in order to become a citizen of the country, while it being a test on qualifications you obtain not a written out test. If you score 67 points or higher out of a possible 100 you may qualify to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker. There are 6 main category’s the scoring is based upon; education, language speaking and writing skills, experience, age, arranged employment and adaptability. (Government of Canada) -
Canada accepted the Refugee Connection
Canada agreed to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol. In 1951, a United Nations treaty commonly known as the Refugee Convention was introduced. This treaty defined who a refugee was and their rights, even though the Canadian Cabinet did not sign the convention because, they were concerned that they wouldn’t be able to deport people, who they considered as a security risk.(ccrweb.ca) -
Syria becomes a dictatorship.
The first Assad Regime was established in 1970. After Assad successfully outed the former president Salah al-Jadid, having him arrested, along with other members of his government. Assad later became Prime Minister and then was elected President. -
Canada adopted the multiculturalism policy
Canada would recognize and respect its society included diversity in languages, customs, religions, and so on. Multiculturalism was recognized by section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Canadian Multiculturalism Act was then enacted by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. it has various different attributes such as to ensure that all individuals receive equal treatment and equal protection under the law, while respecting and valuing their diversity. (Justice Laws Website) -
Vietnamese Boat People Start Immigrating to Canada
Immigrants who came from Vietnam during the 1970's and 1980's were known as the boat people. They would escape in overcrowded ships, often with unsanitary and unsafe living conditions. Over 1 million of these people would try to escape, with many of them not not being able to survive until they got to a safe country. (Boat People: A Refugee Crisis) http://www.rcinet.ca/patrimoine-asiatique-en/le-mois-du-patrimoine-asiatique-au-canada/les-refugies-de-la-mer-la-communaute-vietnamienne/ -
The immigration act of 1978 was passed
The immigration act was revised from the 1976 addition and many people from developing countries such as Asia pacific and the Caribbean countries came to Canada. It was from the previous adoption of the multiculturalism’s policy in 1971 by Trudeau’s government. There were three main objectives to the act; to attract people, reunite families, and accept the outsiders. They were also seen as in three different groups; family class, independent class, and the refugee class. (Immigration Acts) -
government creates ways to help immigration and refugees
Government created ESL classes to help immigrants and refugees expand their knowledge and create a greater understanding for Canada, increasing their chances of getting a job. Thousands of Canadians came forward, giving a dramatic launch to the new refugee private sponsorship program. For the years 1978-81, refugees made up 25% of all immigrants to Canada. (ccrweb.ca) -
Canada was awarded Nansen Medal by the UN High Commissioner
In "recognition of their major and sustained contribution to the cause of refugees”. Canada has one of the best records for resettlement of refugees. From the beginning, supported international efforts on behalf of refugees. (ccrweb.ca) -
White paper is released
A white paper, "Building on a strong foundation for the 21st century", was released in 1999. This proposed that their would be two sections to the new act, one for immigration as well as one for the protection of refugees in Canada. This included changing the balance toward the safety of refugees, rather than the ability to settle successfully. -
Boats with Chinese Passengers Arrives in Canada
Many ships were trying to smuggle in Chinese into Canada illegally. The goal for these people was to apply for asylum in Canada, then leave for the US. Most of the ships were intercepted by US coast guards, but the ones that made it through would be dealt with by Canadian authorities. The Chinese government and many Canadian locals urged Canada to send them back to China. Their government claimed that granting a home for them here would encourage more to come to Canada.(Canada: Chinese Migrants) -
Start of the Syrian Civil War
Pro-Democracy protests erupted in March 2011, in southern Syria. These protests were met with extreme violence from security forces, which furthered the issue even more. This Syrian civil war has caused almost 13.5 million Syrian citizens to be displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance. This issue has been faced by many countries offering various types of support and immigration opportunities.
