Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a foundational aspect of Canadian identity that contrasts with its multicultural claims?
What is a foundational aspect of Canadian identity that contrasts with its multicultural claims?
Excluding unwanted immigrants is a foundational aspect.
List two specific ethnic groups that faced exclusion in Canada's immigration policies historically.
List two specific ethnic groups that faced exclusion in Canada's immigration policies historically.
The Chinese in 1885 and the Jews in 1939.
According to recent studies, what percentage of Canadians hold negative views towards at least one ethnic group?
According to recent studies, what percentage of Canadians hold negative views towards at least one ethnic group?
A full third of Canadians.
What has been the trend in hate crimes against Muslims in Canada from 2015 to 2019?
What has been the trend in hate crimes against Muslims in Canada from 2015 to 2019?
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Which group topped Canada's immigration desirability list historically?
Which group topped Canada's immigration desirability list historically?
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Identify the immigration groups that were placed at the bottom of Canada’s desirability list.
Identify the immigration groups that were placed at the bottom of Canada’s desirability list.
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What does the term 'open-door policy' refer to in the context of early Canadian immigration?
What does the term 'open-door policy' refer to in the context of early Canadian immigration?
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What was the response of Canadians towards newer immigrants compared to those who arrived over 50 years ago?
What was the response of Canadians towards newer immigrants compared to those who arrived over 50 years ago?
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How did Canadian immigration officials attempt to discern the race of potential immigrants in the absence of on-site agents?
How did Canadian immigration officials attempt to discern the race of potential immigrants in the absence of on-site agents?
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What was the purpose of the 'climate clause' added to the immigration act in Canada?
What was the purpose of the 'climate clause' added to the immigration act in Canada?
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What impact did the Chinese Immigration Act of 1885 have on Chinese immigrants entering Canada?
What impact did the Chinese Immigration Act of 1885 have on Chinese immigrants entering Canada?
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What was the significance of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923 in the context of Canadian immigration policy?
What was the significance of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923 in the context of Canadian immigration policy?
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What criteria did Canadian immigration authorities use to evaluate prospective immigrants during Clifford Sifton's tenure?
What criteria did Canadian immigration authorities use to evaluate prospective immigrants during Clifford Sifton's tenure?
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How did the events of World War I and II affect immigrants in Canada who were not born in Canada?
How did the events of World War I and II affect immigrants in Canada who were not born in Canada?
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What marked the transformation of Canadian immigration policy by the late 1960s?
What marked the transformation of Canadian immigration policy by the late 1960s?
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Study Notes
Canadian Immigration History: A Complex Narrative
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Canadian identity has historically been intertwined with xenophobia, despite claims of multiculturalism.
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Legal frameworks, including discriminatory policies, have targeted various immigrant groups, including Irish (1847), Chinese (1885), Sikhs (1914), Jews (1939), Japanese (1940s), and Haitians (1973).
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Recent studies reveal persistent negative views towards certain ethnic groups, notably new immigrants (especially those arriving within the last 15 years) and refugees. A significant minority (10%) hold negative views about refugees who arrived in the past three years.
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Hate crimes against Muslims increased significantly (253%) between 2015 and 2019. The 2020 recorded hate crimes reached a record high (2669), the most ever documented since data tracking began in 2009.
Early Immigration Policies (1869-1930s)
- After Confederation, Canada developed its immigration policies independent from Britain.
- High immigration (over 100,000 annually) attracted diverse groups (British/Americans, Belgians, Dutch, Scandinavians, Swiss, Finns, Russians, Austro-Hungarians, Germans, Ukrainians, Poles)
- Less desirable groups (Italians, Slavs, Greeks, Middle Easterners, Asians, Jews, Roma/Gypsies, and Blacks) were favoured less.
- Black immigration faced more subtle forms of exclusion via climate clause (1912 - though not explicitly stating "no Black immigrants," the clause sought to dissuade)
Targeted Discrimination: Chinese Immigrants (1885-1947)
- Discriminatory practices against the Chinese were implemented in 1885 through a $500 head tax to deter immigration.
- This led to the Chinese Exclusion Act (1923), which significantly reduced Chinese immigration.
- The Act also intentionally prevented family reunification by restricting wives and families from joining husbands/fathers.
Immigration during Anglo-Centric Periods (1905-1947)
- Western expansion efforts favoured English-speakers as immigrants.
- Immigrants from various European backgrounds (especially white), were considered more suitable for agricultural and labor-related work in the west.
- Immigrants from "enemy countries" (including other countries that were allied) faced heightened discrimination during WWI and WWII. Even people from previously allied countries were excluded from the general Canadian workforce if they were not considered 'white' or 'English' in origin. Foreign-born people were felt to be a threat with concerns of spying. These policies affected citizenship and employment, leading to significant discrimination and exclusion.
Shift Towards Multiculturalism (1960s-Present)
- Immigration policies removed racial discrimination by the late 1960s.
- This led to a significant increase in non-European immigration, starting in 1971 (the majority of immigrants).
- As a result, Canada became a significantly multiracial and multicultural society.
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Description
Explore the complex narrative of Canadian immigration history, focusing on the interplay of multiculturalism and xenophobia. This quiz covers key legislative frameworks, significant immigrant groups, and recent societal attitudes towards refugees and new immigrants. Test your knowledge on early immigration policies and their impact on Canadian society.
