Welcoming Week in Canada: A Celebration of Newcomers

Welcoming Week in Canada: A Celebration of Newcomers

Canada is known for its welcoming nature and diverse population, and from September 8-17, the country is taking it a step further by celebrating #WelcomingWeek2023. This annual event, organized by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), aims to encourage Canadians to embrace newcomers and help them settle comfortably into their new home.

With approximately 8.3 million immigrants in Canada, making up almost a quarter of the total population, it is crucial to ensure that everyone feels like they belong in their community, regardless of their background. Welcoming Week provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate newcomers, while also highlighting their contributions to Canadian society.

The statistics from the 2021 census reveal that the immigrant population in Canada is expected to rise to 34% by 2041. This emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of belonging among newcomers, as their successful integration and active participation in their communities will ultimately contribute to Canada’s overall growth and prosperity.

The #ImmigrationMatters campaign launched by IRCC is an integral part of Welcoming Week. It aims to raise awareness about the benefits of immigration in Canada and encourages everyone to get involved. The campaign offers various suggestions on how Canadians can assist newcomers in settling into their new lives.

One unique way to engage with newcomers during Welcoming Week is by contacting organizations that provide settlement services and getting matched with a newcomer. By offering guidance and support on navigating day-to-day life in their new community, Canadians can make a significant difference in helping newcomers feel welcomed and comfortable.

Additionally, sharing meals or attending cultural events together can foster connections between Canadians and recent immigrants. Even engaging in conversation to help improve English or French language skills can go a long way in making newcomers feel more at ease.

A recent study conducted by Statistics Canada reveals an interesting finding: immigrants tend to have a stronger sense of belonging in Canada compared to those who are Canadian-born. This is particularly true for those who settle in Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces. A sense of belonging is crucial as it leads to increased community involvement, more connections, and ultimately, the decision to stay and contribute to the Canadian economy.

The study attributes this sense of belonging to newcomers’ positive perceptions of Canada’s multicultural policies, their appreciation for Canada’s unique Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and their recognition of Canada’s national symbols as important aspects of Canadian identity. These factors play a significant role in shaping the immigrant experience and fostering a sense of belonging.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasizes the benefits of immigration in a recent statement, highlighting its role in driving economic growth, addressing the country’s aging population, and filling labor market gaps. Immigration accounts for almost 100% of Canada’s labor force growth and approximately 75% of its population growth.

Moreover, most newcomers immigrate through economic class immigration programs, meaning they are skilled workers who contribute to the development and innovation across numerous industries. In fact, businesses majority-owned by immigrants accounted for 24.4% of all private sector businesses in the third quarter of 2022.

Canada’s commitment to immigration is evident in its immigration levels plan. In 2022 alone, over 437,000 new immigrants were welcomed to the country. The plan aims to admit 465,000 newcomers by the end of 2023, with a further increase to over 500,000 new permanent residents admitted each year by the end of 2025.

Welcoming Week serves as a reminder that immigration is vital to Canada’s cultural and economic fabric. It is an opportunity for Canadians to embrace newcomers, recognize their contributions, and ensure that they feel welcomed and supported in their new home.

If you are interested in Canadian immigration, IRCC offers resources to help you determine your eligibility. Whether you choose to get involved during Welcoming Week or explore your options for immigration, Canada’s doors are open, and the benefits of embracing newcomers are clear.