Today, the Minister for Multiculturalism Jason Kenney & the Minister of Veterans Affairs Julian Fantino highlighted the high levels of immigration from Italy
May 16, 2014,
Immigration from Italy more than doubles since 2005
May 16, 2014—Toronto, ON—Today, on behalf of Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander, the Minister for Multiculturalism Jason Kenney and the Minister of Veterans Affairs Julian Fantino highlighted the high levels of immigration from Italy. The number of permanent residents and students welcomed to Canada from Italy in 2013 was more than twice the number admitted to Canada in 2005.
Last year, 823 individuals from Italy became Canadian permanent residents, an increase of nearly 140 percent from 2005. In addition, 421 foreign students from Italy entered Canada in 2013, a 90 percent increase from 2005.
Italian immigration to Canada is once again increasing following a significant period of decline between 1967 and 2005.
The high number of new permanent residents includes newcomers coming to Canada from Italy as economic immigrants, which has almost tripled over the past 10 years. Last year, Canada admitted 500 people from Italy in the economic class, an increase of nearly 200 percent since 2003.
Italian-Canadian immigration in the family class increased significantly as well with 294 new permanent residents in 2013¾the highest number in almost 20 years.
Hundreds of Italians continue to make the journey to Canada every year to help us build our country and our economy and, in many cases, to settle permanently and become Canadians.
Quick facts
- Each year since 2006, Canada has admitted an average of about a quarter of a million immigrants from around the world.
- Canada has greatly benefited from the contributions of more than 500,000 Italians who have settled in Canada since 1946.
Quotes
“Our government is proud to announce that an increasing number of Italians have chosen Canada as their new home in recent years. The substantial increase in individuals settling in Canada from Italy is an indication of the strong ties that exist between our two countries and highlights our government’s commitment to sustaining high rates of immigration to Canada.”
Chris Alexander, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister
“For decades now, Canada has benefited from the talent and hard work of newcomers from Italy. Italian immigrants continue to play an important role in strengthening Canada’s cultural fabric.”
Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism
