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First Immigration Act
Canada made it's first immigration act in 1869. This act was created to ensure the safety of immigrants. This meant that immigrants were protected on their journey to Canada, and made sure that they would not be taken advantage of while in Canada. John A. MacDonald, prime minister at the time, was encouraging travel to the west during this time, and hoped that this policy would help push people west -
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Immigration Events
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Chinese Head Tax
This tax came along with the Chinese Immigration Act. This was made to try and reduce the number of Chinese immigrants. All Chinese immigrants would have to pay a $50 tax when entering Canada. Not all immigrants would have to pay the tax though, since people of professions such as doctors or teachers were exempted from this tax. -
Internment of Ukrainian Canadians
While the War Measures Act was still existent, the Canadian government used it to imprison all Ukrainian Canadians. This was in the beginning of WWI, and they feared that these people were spies, and were trying to invade Canada. They imprisoned mostly men, but their families were also in trouble. In 2005, they recognized the internment of the Ukrainian Canadians, and gave compensation. -
Komagata Maru Incident
In 1914, a ship arrived from Hong Kong, a steamship named to Komagata Maru. When it arrived at the Vancouver docks, the ship and it's immigrants were denied entry. This is because of a law put in place named the Exclusion Act, in which the Canadian government restricted the inclusion of Asian immigrants. -
Internment of Italian Canadians
In WWI, the Canadian government enacted the War Measures Act once again. Much like the internment of the Ukrainian Canadians, they believed that they were spies working for Italy. This is because Italy declared war on Canada. They arrested around 700 people. In 1990, the Canadian government issued an apology, but they never gave compensation to the Italian community. -
Internment of Japanese Canadians
During WWII, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. The Canadian government feared that this would happen in Canada, so once again they used the War Measures Act. They arrested more than 20,000 men, women and children, and moved them more inland. Even though they were promised that their property would be safe, the families lost everything, since their property was sold off. In 1988, an apology was given, with compensation. -
Immigration Act
This act gave provinces independence power to deny or allow immigrants in their provinces. It also redefined "prohibited classes" for different places. Any person that would be a "burden" to their economy could be denied entry. -
Refugees Added as an Immigration Category
Along with the new Immigration Act, the Canadian government decided to add refugees to immigrants that they could let in to Canada. This was made to help those fleeing from their country. Refugees were eventually added in with family, economic and other immigrants. -
Singh Decision
Indian native Satnam Singh came to Canada looking for refuge, but Canada's government turned him down. The immigration act of 1976 did not permit him to fight for his rights, but the Supreme Court said this violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This eventually led to the decision that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms applies to everyone physically in Canada. -
The Canadian Multiculturalism Act
This act was made to preserve Canada's rich culture. Pierre Trudeau recognized that Canada's culture is made up of many, so he proposed this idea. It protects the different languages and religions that Canada has. -
Creation of Immigration Categories
The Canadian government created different sections to classify immigrants. One would be family, and they're supposed to reunite families is Canada. Another would be economic, where they're supposed to benefit Canada, since they could work for the government right away. There could also be other and refugees, who are in Canada for the same reason, for protection or anything else. -
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
The IRPA (Immigration and Refugee Protection Act) was made to illustrate how the government must deal with immigrants and refugees. This is to make sure that the refugees are safe from persecution in their countries for whatever reason. This is also to help maintain the safety of Canadian citizens.
