From September 8 to September 17, 2023, Canada is abuzz with excitement as it observes WelcomingWeek2023. This annual event is organized by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to offer a unique opportunity to extend a warm welcome to newcomers.
The Essence of Welcoming Week
Welcoming Week transcends being a mere event; it serves as a vital pillar of IRCC’s ImmigrationMatters campaign. This campaign strives to raise awareness regarding the substantial benefits that immigration bestows upon Canada. It beckons Canadians from all walks of life to actively engage and contribute to this culture of hospitality.
A distinctive method to partake in Welcoming Week involves reaching out to organizations providing settlement services. Through this approach, you can be paired with a newcomer, forming a connection that transcends geographical boundaries. Through this partnership, you can assist newcomers in navigating the intricacies of daily life in their new community. Furthermore, it encourages both Canadians and recent immigrants to share meals or attend cultural events together. Even a simple conversation can make a significant impact by helping newcomers enhance their English or French language skills, fostering a profound sense of belonging.
The Economic Benefits of Immigration
Immigration Minister Marc Miller has underscored the tremendous advantages that immigration brings to Canada. He rightly emphasizes that being a welcoming nation is not just a virtue but also a sound economic strategy. Canada’s economic growth is intrinsically intertwined with immigration, making it a cornerstone of the nation’s economic plan, especially in addressing its aging population. Immigration is a driving force behind Canada’s economic growth and contributes approximately 75% of its population growth.
The Role of Immigrant-Owned Businesses
According to the research conducted by Statistics Canada immigrant entrepreneurship significantly impacts the Canadian economy. Last year, businesses owned by immigrants accounted for a significant 24.4%. This explains that immigrants play in vital role in driving economic growth in Canada.
Future Projections
As Canada continues to embrace immigration, the numbers are poised to ascend. In 2022, the country welcomed over 437,000 new immigrants, setting the stage for ambitious plans. The latest immigration levels plan aims to invite 465,000 newcomers by the end of this year, with projections indicating that over 500,000 new permanent residents will be admitted each year by the end of 2025.
As Welcoming Week unfolds, let us all unite in celebration, appreciation, and the warmest of welcomes for our newest members, extending open arms and open hearts to build a brighter future together.
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