Canada’s Humanitarianism continues to be a crucial immigration strategy. Historically, Canada had always offered help to foreign countries whenever times were tough. Canada has consistently made significant efforts to support and assist developing countries worldwide. Starting with actions like joining the Colombo Plan to aid Commonwealth nations in Asia (1950) before moving on to the establishment of the Canadian International Development Agency (1968). This includes other such assistance measures.
Whether this humanitarian aid took the form of cash, products, or services, it is anticipated that Canada’s “foreign assistance spending” reached about $8.4 billion in 2021. This amount solidifies Canada’s commitment to sustaining its foreign ties through global humanitarianism. It accounts for roughly 1.6% of total federal spending.
The process of Canada’s Humanitarianism through immigration
One of its major commitments of Canada toward Humanitarianism includes embracing refugees and other victimized populations as Canada’s Permanent Residents.
Per the Census data of 2021, Canada received 218,430 new refugees. They were taken as PRs during the five-year period from 2016 to 2021. Out of this figure, nearly 60,795 belonged to Syria. This figure implies at least 27.8 percent of new refugees are admitted to Canada. Recent new immigrant refugees also came from other countries. The list of countries, along with the number of immigrant refugees, is given below:
- 7,810 immigrant refugees from Pakistan.
- 9,490 immigrant refugees from Afghanistan.
- 13,965 new immigrant refugees from Eritrea.
- 15,505 new immigrant refugees from Iraq.
Out of all these new immigrants, most of them settled again in Canada on the recommendation of an authorized referral organization, private sponsor, or the United Nations.
The latest Census data also claims that Canada was the new home for over 85,000 immigrants between 2016 and 2021. Furthermore, these new immigrants acquired the status of protected individuals and eventually Permanent Residence.
Canada’s future plans
For disadvantaged people worldwide, Canada hopes to remain a beacon of hope. The targets include the number of newcomers the country would like to receive both as refugees and on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Canada’s most recent Immigration Levels Plan (2023-2025) will determine this. This is an effort to continue offering a safe option for relocation to global citizens everywhere.
A total of 260,000 new immigrants under these categories are expected to enter Canada between 2023 and 2025.
On “humanitarian and compassionate grounds,” Canada plans to accept 92,290 refugees and immigrants in 2023, which accounts for 19.8% of its overall immigration goal for that year.
Together, these two groups are expected to bring in 89,865 immigrants to Canada the following year, making up 18.5% of the country’s 2024 immigration target.
Last but not least, Canada plans to welcome 80,750 refugees and newcomers in 2025 (on “humanitarian and compassionate grounds”). Based on the total target immigration for that year, this number would equal 16.1% of the total target immigration in 2025.
Yearly percentages and figures might differ. This is because the newcomers Canada seeks to welcome annually will rely on the following:
- The number of people identified as refugees.
- The identification must be made through the Private Sponsor or UNHCR (the Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program).
