The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration describes its purposes as fourfold:.
It seeks to admit immigrants, foreign students, visitors and temporary workers who enhance Canada's social and economic growth; .
It resettles, protects and provides a safe haven for refugees; .
It helps newcomers adapt to Canadian society and become Canadian citizens; and .
manages access to Canada to protect the security and health of Canadians and the integrity of Canadian laws. .
Consistent with its multicultural ethos, Canada seeks to both diversify its society and boost its economic strength through its immigration program. Has this always been the case? Can the argument be made that though this is the stated objective of the Canadian immigration program, the way in which the immigration mandate is carried out does not facilitate these goals?.
After a breaking down of the immigration system into its component parts and categories, these questions may be easier to answer.
II. FEDERAL IMMIGRATION POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES.
Canada's current immigration objectives are set out in the Immigration Act.
Part I of the Act Canadian Immigration Policy .
Designed to promote the domestic and international interests of Canada recognizing the need: .
1. to support the attainment of such demographic goals as may be established by the government of Canada in respect of size, rate of growth, structure and geographic distribution of the Canadian population .
2. to enrich and strengthen the cultural/social fabric of Canada taking into account its federal and bilingual character .
3. to facilitate reunion of Canadian citizens and permanent residents with close relatives from abroad .
4. to ensure that any person who seeks admission to Canada on either a permanent or temporary basis is subject to standards of admission that do not discriminate in a manner inconsistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms [remember this one].