Info Box

Spotlight on Canada: Our International Accomplishments

Peacekeeping

Peacekeeping is an important aspect of Canada's national heritage and a reflection of our fundamental beliefs. It is a concept that responds to changes in the international environment to develop security for people affected by war. Canada builds on our world-renowned peacekeeping tradition to make strong and imaginative contributions to international peace and security.

Peacekeeping is also a significant component of Canada's foreign policy. Over the last 50 years, Canada has participated in an overwhelming majority of peacekeeping missions mandated by the United Nations Security Council, establishing Canada as the international benchmark for peacekeeping.

The term “peacekeeping” did not enter popular use until 1956. The Suez Crisis (1956) prompted Lester B. Pearson, then Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs, to propose the use of an international peace force under the UN flag. Since that time there have been over 50 United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Traditionally, peacekeeping has been a military activity, but Canadian involvement in international peace support operations has expanded in response to the complex emergencies that we now face. Canadian efforts to support peace include such diverse groups as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and their provincial and municipal partners, Elections Canada and Correctional Services Canada, and are made not just through the United Nations but also through regional forums such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

(Adapted from: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/peacekeeping/menu-en.asp)

Multiculturalism

Canada is internationally recognized as one of the most tolerant, open and democratic countries in the world—a dynamic mosaic of multiculturalism where people live and work together in harmony.

In 1971, Canada was the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism as an official policy. In doing so, Canada affirmed the value and dignity of all Canadian citizens regardless of their racial or ethnic origins, their language, or their religious affiliation. The 1971 Multiculturalism Policy of Canada also confirmed the rights of Aboriginal peoples and the status of Canada's two official languages.

Canadian multiculturalism is fundamental to our belief that all citizens are equal. Multiculturalism ensures that all citizens can keep their identities, can take pride in their heritage and have a sense of belonging. The Canadian experience has shown that multiculturalism encourages racial and ethnic harmony and cross-cultural understanding, and discourages hatred, discrimination and violence.

Immigration

Over the last 150 years, more than 14 million people have immigrated to Canada. Nearly 16 percent of the more than 30 million people who presently live here are first-generation immigrants.

The reasons why people migrate to Canada are as varied as their cultures. Many come for the social and economic opportunities this country offers them and their families. Some join family already here, while others immigrate to escape from poverty, overpopulation or persecution. Others have been forced to leave their homelands and come to Canada to find safety from environmental disasters, war or political unrest. By welcoming migrants from diverse backgrounds, we benefit tremendously from their valuable economic, social and cultural contributions.

Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand are the only four countries throughout the world with open and planned legal migration programs. Canada's legislation, seen by many as one of the most generous, reflects our strong desire to enhance the country's competitiveness in the global marketplace by increasing our skilled workforce, as well as keeping our commitment to humanitarianism and to families.

Canada is facing the challenges of an aging population and an economy that depends on industry. Immigration is crucial to Canadian business and accounts for 70 percent of the growth in the labour force. Within the near future, Canada's population growth will likely be due entirely to immigration.

In 1868, Sir John A. Macdonald's government was the first to create a federal-provincial immigration agreement which led to Canada's first Immigration Act in 1869. The legislation has been modified several times over the years in response to changing interests and needs. In January 2002, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) was approved by Parliament. Its three main objectives are to remain true to Canada's values; to have a more effective immigration system that handles large numbers of applications while providing for the security of Canadians; and to continue our traditions of welcoming visitors and immigrants, and protecting refugees. This law reflects a modern vision of what family is and recognizes common-law couples including those of the same sex. The law also includes provisions to allow easier access to short-term study in Canada for foreign students.

(For more details, visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada's Web site).

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