The Canadian Prime Minister has repeatedly stated that Canada will do its best to help USA as a member of NATO in the campaign to fight global terrorism BUT will not change its immigration policies. Canada has a very transparent and fair system of selecting immigrants and refugees. Prospective immigrants are required to clear police and background checks. If anything, the Government will be more cautious when processing immigrants from countries which have a history of political/civil strife and ethnic unrest. The integrity of the immigration programme will be untouched and the government is not about to jeopardize its plan to attract quality immigrants to safeguard Canadian plurality and popular diversity.

The Prime Minister stated on 24 September, 2001: "Canada is a nation of immigrants. People from all nationalities, all colours and religions. This is what we are. And let there be no doubt: we will not allow the terrorists to force us to sacrifice our values or traditions. We will continue to welcome people from the whole world and offer refuge to the persecuted." After visiting the site of the N.York attacks on 29 September, 2001, the Prime Minister stated that "the war against terrorism should not be a campaign against immigration".