Immigration Act of 1976
The Immigration Act of 1976 marked a significant shift in Canada's immigration policy, moving away from national preferences to a more inclusive points-based system. This system assessed potential immigrants based on criteria such as education, occupation, age, and language skills, reflecting the country's need for skilled labor in an evolving economy. The Act introduced a nondiscrimination clause, prohibiting admission decisions based on ethnicity, race, religion, gender, or nationality. As a result, the demographic landscape of Canadian immigration began to diversify, with increasing numbers of immigrants from Asia and other regions, while traditional sources like Europe saw a relative decline.
The legislation also emphasized family reunification, supported refugees, and created a business immigrant program that permitted individuals to gain points through investment opportunities. This was particularly beneficial for Canada, as it allowed for the immediate utilization of trained workers while sending countries absorbed the training costs. The Act's impact was especially visible in major urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, where ethnoracial diversity flourished. Furthermore, the Act has undergone numerous amendments since its passage, reflecting ongoing adjustments to meet labor market demands and promote international engagement.
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Subject Terms
Immigration Act of 1976
Identification National legislation that established new ground rules for migration into Canada
Date Passed on August 5, 1977
The act facilitated the immigration into Canada of minorities from Asia, Africa, and Latin America; helped address labor market needs; and fostered multicultural understanding.
Immigration into Canada before 1967 was based primarily on national preferences, with the British, French, American, and assorted West European groups given priority. The 1967 Immigration Act introduced the points system, which was used to base admission on education, occupation, age, and language facility, all factors considered important for success in an urban, industrialized society. Immigration policy in Canada is written and administered at the federal level while the provinces provide mostly immigrant support services.
The change in Canadian policy during the 1970’s was largely a product of the country’s labor market needs, although Canada’s image around the world was also of growing concern. In the middle of the decade, slightly more than 70 percent of Canada’s immigrants were French and British, with large numbers coming also from the United States, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Lebanon, India, the Philippines, Portugal, Italy, and Guyana. The proportion of immigrants of European origin declined through the decade, while Asians made the greatest gains.
The Immigration Act included a nondiscrimination clause that made it illegal to use ethnicity, race, religion, gender, and nationality as the basis for admission. A 1975 Green Paper identified labor force needs in the remote areas of the country and called for government action. Labor shortages, especially of professional and technical personnel, prompted the country to open its doors to an ever-widening swath of skilled immigrants from around the world. While sending countries bore the training costs and lost the brain power, Canada reaped the benefits of an immediate and trained labor force.
The act also facilitated the reunification of family members, provided safe haven for refugees, revised the points system, and introduced a business immigrant program. Under the business program, immigrants with money could “buy” points by investing in employment for themselves and other Canadians. The points system itself was modified and made more responsive to labor market needs, particularly in areas beyond the southern core. The 1976 legislation was also intended to foster international understanding, cultural and scientific exchange, and international travel and tourism into Canada.
Impact
The Immigration Act of 1976 ushered in sweeping changes in Canada’s ethnic and racial mosaic. Ethnoracial diversity increased markedly in the country’s metropolitan centers, especially in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Smaller cities were less affected and immigration into rural areas was notable by its absence.
Subsequent Events
Following the initial passage of the Immigration Act of 1976, the act was amended more than thirty times. The intent was to aid family reunification, protect refugees, and to grow the Canadian economy through business investments. The business program has been effective and expanded multiple times.
Bibliography
Adelman, Howard, et al. Immigration and Refugee Policy: Australia and Canada Compared. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1994.
Hawkins, Freda. Canada and Immigration. 2d ed. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1988.
Migus, Paul M., ed. Sounds Canadian: Languages and Cultures in Multi-ethnic Society. Toronto: Peter Martin, 1975.