CENSUS RELEASE CONFIRMS IMMIGRATION'S IMPORTANT ROLE IN CANADA'S FUTURE

OTTAWA, January 21, 2003 -- The Honourable Denis Coderre, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today welcomed the release of 2001 census data on citizenship and immigration trends and realities.

"Immigration has always played an important role in building Canadian society, and we can see that this trend is continuing," said Minister Coderre. "The data released today reinforce the emphasis of the 2002 Speech from the Throne on Canada's openness to immigrants and how this country will continue to be a place where immigrants will find hope, hospitality and opportunity."

Minister Coderre was pleased to note the high number of immigrants who took up Canadian citizenship. "So many immigrants choose to become Canadians because they recognize the Canadian values of respect, freedom, peace and belonging," he said. "The new citizenship bill, which I tabled in the House of Commons in the fall, highlights these values and will modernize our legislation to emphasize the responsibilities and rights that go along with Canadian citizenship."

Minister Coderre acknowledged that many immigrants choose to settle in major urban centres. "The challenge will be to encourage immigrants to settle in other regions of Canada to allow all parts of the country to benefit from immigration. It is the responsibility of all levels of government and other organizations to cooperate in this regard," he said. "I have met with my provincial colleagues and we have agreed to work together to develop flexible approaches to attract immigrants to smaller centres. We plan to meet again regularly to further discuss these strategies.

"We are also committed to working with our partners to help immigrants become full participants in Canadian society," added Minister Coderre. "It is important to reduce any barriers faced by new immigrants in settling into their new communities. This is why we have changed the selection criteria for certain immigrants and why our partners are working to resolve the problem of credential recognition."

The Minister also confirmed that Citizenship and Immigration Canada will use the new census data and other research to shape future policies and initiatives.

The 2001 census data released today also report on the birthplace of immigrants, visible minority communities and the ethnic origins of those who call Canada home.

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Massood Joomratty, LLB(Hons), LLM

http://www.passportcanada.com" target="_blank">Your Canadian Immigration Lawyer

http://www.joomratty.com" rel="nofollow">LINK
+1-604-590-0607

hi,
what are your comments and views?

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Sunil Sharma, P.Eng.

Canada is increasingly becoming a very multicultural place where everyone will have a REAL sense of belonging ... not just in Canada to milk it.

We will see more and more professionals, more representation in politics at all levels. The day will come when it won't be a surprise that an Indian or Chinese or Mexican is a premier, a minister, a governor ...

At present, when these things happen, the ethnic media and the ethnic organisations celebrate such 'achievements'.

It also means more and more immigrants will be non-white as has been the case for the past decade.

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Massood Joomratty, LLB(Hons), LLM

http://www.passportcanada.com" target="_blank">Your Canadian Immigration Lawyer

http://www.joomratty.com" rel="nofollow">LINK
+1-604-590-0607

New faces will definately change Canada's future. In the present situation we mostly see first generation desis working on the job they are not used to, but within 10 years from now you will see many kids, who came here with their parents just 10-15 years ago, can be seen in different jobs - schools, hospitals and many others jobs where usually we don't see many desis.

Just take the case of Lankans. They came here only 15 years ago and now you can see many lankans doing good jobs.

I don't know - but we should also take care - especially not becoming racists - take example of what is happening in Britan right now.

We have to do overall development. And education to the kids is most important then anything else.

I am positively looking for bright future of Canada and Desis.

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A Proud Indian Canadian