08 March 2005

Canadian immigration reaches target

Canadian immigration is well within its target range according to figures released by the Canadian Minister of Citizenship, the Honourable Joe Volpe

Planned immigration to Canada has seen 235,808 new residents admitted to the country.

Although these are preliminary numbers, they fall well into the planned range of 220,000 to 245,000 announced to Parliament on October 30, 2003. Final immigration numbers will not be released until the spring of 2005.

“Newcomers to Canada each year not only contribute to our cultural mosaic, but also help to make Canada more prosperous and internationally competitive. It’s therefore important to ensure that our immigration program continues to function in a balanced, predictable and well-managed way,” said Mr Volpe.

The preliminary numbers show that immigrants in the economic classes (which includes applicants and their families) represented approximately 57% of all new arrivals to Canada in 2004. Immigrants in the family and refugee classes, as well as those who received humanitarian and compassionate consideration, comprised the remaining 43% of all new arrivals. Last year, Canada welcomed almost 33,000 refugees, 26% more than in 2003. This increase demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to providing protection to those in genuine need.