OTTAWA, October 31, 2001 - Citizenship
and Immigration Minister Elinor Caplan reaffirmed Canada's commitment
to immigration today by tabling a plan in the House of Commons on
immigration levels for 2002. The planning range, established in consultation
with provincial and territorial governments, moves the Government
of Canada closer to its long-term goal of annual immigration levels
of one percent of the population.
"Behind these numbers
are real people who are prepared to come to this country, work hard
and contribute to our future," said the Minister. "Immigration
is above all about nation building." The number of immigrants
Canada expects to receive in 2002 ranges from 210,000 to 235,000,
up slightly from the range of 200,000 to 225,000 in 2001.
In her comments, the Minister affirmed the growing importance of immigration
to the Canadian economy. "Immigrants now account for more than
70 percent of all labour force growth, a proportion that will grow
to 100 percent in the coming years. This gradual increase will enable
us to sustain our competitiveness and fuel an economy driven by innovation,
and expanding commercial and cultural links to the world." |
