Canada is one of the positive countries to accept immigrants.  The Canadian immigration low was approved in 1869, because there is serious population problem in Canada.  The Canadian population is only about 3,600,000 people in 1870.  Canadian government accepted immigrants to get new workforce, and the population increased to 21,500,000 people for 100 years.  This means that about 9,300,000 people came to Canada as immigrants.  Now, I think the Canadian policy on immigrants succeed, because people who have various ethnic groups live together.  So, I think that Japanese government should follow the policy on immigrants in Canada.

     In 1967, Canadian government introduced point-system to select people who can contribute to the Canadian economy.  The point-system evaluates using many standards such as age, school background, language, work experience and so on.  Before the point-system was introduced, Canadian government accepted generously immigrants from Europe and U.S., whereas they control immigrants who are from Asia.  So, inspection of people who hope immigration to Canada became fair by using this point-system.

     Now, Canadian government carries out many supporting programs for immigrants.  For example, “Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program”, “Strong Communities Rent Supplement Program” and so on.  The purpose of their programs gives house to immigrants who are in financial difficulties.  And local self-government body such as the State of Ontario is also positive to support for immigrants.  They established funds to support immigrants.  Canadian government also carried out other programs on education and job support.

     In Canada, government and local cooperate on accepting immigrants.  Their cooperation is very important because I think Canadian policy on immigrants couldn’t succeed without their cooperation.  And support for immigrants is also important.  In Canada, these supports are very good, so I believe Canada is very comfortable country for immigrants.  Now, there is population problem in Japan, so Japan should accept immigrants.  I suppose Canada is the model of multicultural country, so Japan should refer to immigration policy in Canada.

by Mari Honda