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"Immigration and multiculturalism"
At the initiative of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada is flying in 25,000 Syrian refugees from camps in Lebanon and Jordan. Volunteers are offering shelter and knitting tuques. “It is a very nice step, a question of humanity.”
Canada is at the forefront of a new international trend nicknamed ‘designer immigration’. The country’s immigration system is increasingly focused on matching the supply of prospective newcomers to its own demand, particularly in the labour market. Since 1971, Canada has never attracted as many migrants as it does today.
Canada has been a popular destination for Mexicans fleeing their country’s bloody drugs war. But now, the Canadian government has imposed a new visa requirement to stop the influx. “Harper has said, we don’t want any more Mexicans.”
Canada has a reputation as a haven for Roma people. Some even call it their ‘promised land’. Thousands of Roma from the Czech Republic have sought refuge in the Canadian city of Hamilton. But now, Canada is erecting barriers. “Nobody is saying to you: because you are Roma, we don’t want you.”
The world exhibition Expo 67 in Montreal marked the centenary of Canada and is regarded as an exuberant birthday party. The country was visited by the world and came of age as a multicultural nation. For the 40th anniversary of the watershed event, join a cool trip back to Montreal in the swinging Sixties.
Dutch immigrants to Canada have traditionally been known as hard workers who are keen to integrate into mainstream society. Even so, ties with the Netherlands remain strong for many. “We are well integrated here, but if I look at myself, I have also remained a Dutchman.”
A controversial code of conduct for immigrants in the rural village of Hérouxville has fueled a debate in Quebec. To which extent should society conform to the religious practices of newcomers?
Canada receives 250,000 newcomers per year and is regarded internationally as a model country when it comes to integration. The Dutch government copied the citizenship ceremony from the Canadians. All rise for a citizenship ceremony in Hamilton, Ontario.
In parts of Canada, Muslims can resolve disputes according to Sharia, Islamic law. According to Adrienne Clarkson, acting head of state of the country, Europe tends to be too tense in dealing with immigrants. “We understand what it’s like to be a loser.”
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Diversity is celebrated in the Canadian metropolis. “You live and work with so many nationalities here that to be Canadian is to be global.”
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