Overview: Canada's immigration history is marked by a gradual shift from early European settlement to a diverse, multicultural society. In the early 19th century, immigration was largely unrestricted, but policies became more selective, with laws like the 1885 Chinese Immigration Act and 1908 Continuous Journey Regulation targeting non-European migrants. Multiculturalism was formally adopted in 1971, leading to policies that embraced diversity and prioritized skills over race. From 2016 to 2021, Canada welcomed 1.3 million immigrants — 15.9% of its foreign-born population — primarily from India, the Philippines, and China, bringing the population's immigrant share to 23% by 2021.
Canadian Election Issue: Immigration