•In the late
18th and into the 19th century, during and after the time of the American Revolution, many African-Americans and United Empire
Loyalists fled the United States
for Canada, where British ties remained and slavery had been abolished.
•During the
mid- to late 19th and early 20th century, waves of immigrants arrived from Europe, attracted by the opportunity of a new and
better life in Canada. Some settled
in towns and cities; others worked in factories, mines and lumber camps. Many were farmers who turned the Prairie region into
wheat fields. Asian immigrants
from China, Japan and India settled mainly in the western provinces during this time. Many immigrants helped build Canada's
national railways, which joined
the east and west coasts and opened up the interior for settlement.
•After both
world wars, thousands of Europeans came to Canada as immigrants and refugees and helped build Canada's post-war economy.
Canada's experience during and
after the Second World War raised awareness of the needs of refugees and the desire of families to be together.
•Over the last
50 years, people from all over the globe have sought a better life or have sought refuge in Canada, fleeing civil wars,
political unrest and natural disasters.
•Canada still
needs the skills, talents and enthusiasm of newcomers to build our country, together with those who have come before them.
All of this has been reflected in
Canada's immigration and refugee policies. Today, Canada is home to immigrants from more than 240 countries. Most newcomers
decide to become citizens of
Canada, after they are settled and have met the requirements of Canadian citizenship.
•