News
Half a million more enjoying a life in Canada
The onset of the recession at the tail-end of last year may have slowed the pace of migrants moving to some countries, but Canada saw record numbers of permanent and temporary residents arrive through its border gates in 2008.
According to data released by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Canada welcomed 247,202 permanent residents in 2008. This figure achieved the government's target of bringing in 240,000 to 265,000 new residents per year.
Moreover, Canada welcomed 79,459 foreign students and 193,061 temporary foreign workers. This means that the total number of new arrivals was 519,722 - a new record.
Jason Kenney, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister, commented: "While other countries are taking fewer immigrants, today, I am pleased to announce that in 2008, we increased the number of new permanent residents to Canada."
Minister Kenney added that the Canadian government would not be following the advice of those who thought the country should begin taking steps to reduce the number of immigrant arrivals, announcing that the target for 2009 would stay the same.
"As minister for multiculturalism, I am particularly concerned by short-sighted, divisive rhetoric that pits immigrants against Canadians in our economy," he said.
06 May 2009