The Economic Goals of Canada's Immigration Policy: Past and Present

Abstract

We examine the economic goals of current immigration policy and what role immigration should play in overall economic policy. We proceed by describing the economic goals of immigration policy throughout this century. We then describe current economically targeted elements of immigration policy and relate them to historical trends. Finally, we examine a set of potential economic goals for immigration suggested by Canada's policy history. We conclude that economic goals should not form the defining orientation of immigration policy in the near future since other policies are better situated to meet those goals. Immigration should continue as a defining element in our social fabric.