Immigration.ca - Canada Immigration News - March 2010
The city of Toronto is setting a strong example for what will likely be to come in many Canadian cities in the near future as immigration rates continue to climb.
The issue of diversity has come to the forefront, thanks to a new report from Statistics Canada underlining the changing demographics facing the country in the coming years. The report states that by 2031, one in every three Canadians will be a visible minority and one in every four will be foreign-born.
Toronto, Canada�s most populated city as well as the most common destination for new arrivals, is quickly becoming a microcosm of the nation�s diversity, with one half of all residents speaking a language other than the official English and French. More and more, the city is finding it necessary to cater to the new population, now offering services in approximately 40 different languages.
"We see racial minorities as a potential talent pool, and we have to tap into that talent pool," says Rose Lee, a coordinator with the city�s diversity management team. "We have policies in place to provide the best quality of life for all residents regardless of background and to foster a sense of identity."
Naturally, translations are not yet available in every language, and certain groups are not happy to see their language omitted. However, the city seems to be working toward improving their already strong services, and intends to maintain the example they have set for the numerous delegations sent there to study Toronto�s methods.
Source: National Post
