Immigration.ca - Canada Immigration News - March 2009
Although the vast majority of new arrivals to Canada still choose to settle in Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal, figures show that recent provincial campaigns designed to broaden these trends appear to be continuously successful.
According to a new study conducted by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, statistics show that only 83 percent of immigrants resettled in one of Canada’s three most populous cities in 2006. While the number still represents a significant proportion, the figure is down from 90 percent in 2002.
The FCM study concludes, however, that despite the positive impact an influx of highly-skilled and educated people has on smaller urban centres, there remain many challenges that must be addressed for communities to adapt to these changing trends.
Jean Perrault, president of the FCM, said that one such challenge is the provision of services for new arrivals such as housing, child care and health services. He suggests a more collaborative effort between municipalities and the federal government as a possible solution.
At the same time, the study implies that on a socio-economic level, immigrants in smaller cities are generally making out better than those in larger ones, due most often to the difference in housing affordability. The lower prices are attracting educated immigrants whose skills are in demand.
Government critics say the study merely illustrates the weaknesses in the Conservative policy and that more funding must be given to cities so they can provide immigrants with adequate resettlement services.
Source: National Post
