Canada is for sure one of the most multicultural nations in the world. Every year thousands of people immigrate to Canada from all over the world for better living standards, education for their children and better working conditions. Canada represents a concept of understanding for all cultures and religions that can live side by side and in harmony.
Now Canadian government wants to increase this harmony with balancing the ethnic communities depending on country of origin. According to the latest census data, the most populated ethnic groups in Canada are Chinese (1,346,510), East Indians (962,665) and Filipinos (436,190) apart from European origins. The rest of the list goes somewhat levelled between other ethnic groups from Europe, Asia and Americas (Ref. Statistics Canada).
The government is now seeking to balance the ethnic populations with limiting some countries while encouraging others for immigrating to Canada. The bottom of the list is made up of mainly Central African countries like Gambia, Ivory Coast, Sudan, Ethiopia, Chad and Gabon. Canada started a new campaign to attract immigrants from these countries and ordered its embassies to announce this campaign with public introduction meetings.
Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism said on a press conference that “We are the melting pot for all cultures in the world. We want to widen our approach with attracting African nationals to immigrate to Canada. We want them to contribute to our community with their rich culture and save Canada from being a Eurasian safe haven.”
Following this announcement in African countries thousands of people are said to be piled up in front of Canadian Embassies. Canada is asking a valid university certificate, 10 years of working experience and at least 10,000 Canadian dollars in cash for each applicant. Also the applicants should present a clean record stating that he/she has not commited any crime.
In Gabon city of Yaounde, crowds gathered to protest the prerequisites of being an immigrant candidate. Joseph Mboumba, college professor in Libreville, stated that he earns 30 dollars per month and there is no way anyone from his country with a decent job can put together that money for immigration.
Canadian officials claim that a temporary act will be announced by the government to reduce the 10,000 CAD by half for some specific African countries. The remaining 5,000 USD will be paid directly to the eligible immigrant’s account by social funds in Canada.
Let’s wait and see if this new campaign will help increase the number of African-Canadians in the most diverse nation of the world.
Source: Kevin Johnson, www.gpexaminer.com
