Canada is also a safe and welcoming destination for travelers, immigrants, and refugees. It operates a robust border security system that screens all visitors and goods entering the country, while also facilitating trade and tourism.
Regarded as one of the most multicultural and inclusive countries in the world, with more than 200 ethnic origins reported by its citizens, Canada respects the rights and freedoms of all people, and promotes diversity and tolerance in its society. It’s security is also one of the best in the world, making it a favorite choice for immigrants seeking a safe and quiet life abroad.
Canada’s homicide rate, which is often used as an indicator of violent crime, was 1.4 per 100,000 population in 2021, much lower than the global average of 6.1.
In this article, we shall be examining 10 good reasons to immigrate to Canada. By the time you are done reading, you would have learned all there is to know about this great country. Hopefully, the points discussed will improve your understanding of the country and help you decide if it is a good fit for you.
Top 7 Reasons to Immigrate to Canada
1. Strong and Stable Economy
Canada boasts a robust and highly developed mixed economy. In 2023, the country was voted the tenth-largest economy globally, with a nominal GDP of approximately US$2.117 trillion. Canada is also one of the world’s largest trading nations, with a highly globalized economy. In 2021, Canadian trade in goods and services reached an impressive $2.016 trillion. The Canadian economy expanded at an annualized rate of 3.1% in the first quarter of 2023 while its nominal GDP per capita stood at $53,247.
Additionally, the Canadian economy is diversified across sectors with Agriculture valued at 1.6% at Industry 28.2% and Services at 70.2% (as of 2017). Other key industries that make up the Canadian economy include transportation equipment, chemicals, minerals, food products, wood, paper, fish products, petroleum, and natural gas.
In international trade, Canada’s major export goods include motor vehicles, industrial machinery, aircraft, telecommunications equipment, chemicals, plastics, fertilizers, wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, natural gas, and electricity. The country’s top export partners are the United States (76.2%), European Union (7.7%), China (4.1%), Japan (2.1%), and Mexico (1.5%).
Conversely, Canada imports a lot of machinery, motor vehicles, crude oil, chemicals, electricity, and durable consumer goods. Its leading import partners include countries like the United States (52.2%), China (12.1%), European Union (11.4%), Mexico (6.2%), and Japan (3%). In summary, Canada’s economy thrives on its diverse industries, strong trade relationships, and stable financial indicators.
2. Quality Education System
Canada is known for its high-quality education at all levels, from elementary to post-secondary. The country’s education system is flexible, diverse, and inclusive, offering a range of options for students to pursue their academic and professional goals.
In Canada, the provincial and territorial governments are responsible for education, and they follow government standards to ensure high-quality public education across the country. School is mandatory for children from about the age of six years old to 18 years old, and most schools are free for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
For college education, Canada boasts a range of world-class universities and colleges, as well as vocational and technical schools, that offer programs in various fields of study. Canada is an international research leader and has some of the top universities in the world. The country is a leader in online learning and distance education, offering flexible and accessible options for students who want to study from home or abroad.
As a bilingual country, with English and French as official languages, many schools in Canada offer language programs in both languages, as well as other languages such as Indigenous languages, Spanish, Mandarin, and more. The highly multicultural and welcoming country accepts students from over 200 countries who come to study within its borders every year. Canada values diversity and inclusion, and respects the rights and freedoms of all people.
3. Publicly Funded Universal Healthcare
Also known as Medicare, Canada’s publicly funded universal health care system provides reasonable access to medically necessary hospital and physician services for all Canadian residents, without paying out-of-pocket. Medicare is not a single national plan, but a collection of 13 provincial and territorial health care insurance plans. Each province and territory has its own plan, and covers different services and products.
Some of the benefits of Canada’s health care system are:
- It ensures that everyone has access to quality health care regardless of their ability to pay.
- It reduces health inequalities and promotes social justice.
- It supports a strong and resilient health workforce that provides effective and safe health care services.
- It fosters innovation and research in health care delivery and outcomes.
4. Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity
Canada is a country renowned for embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity. Its journey towards multiculturalism can be traced back to its historical origins, which have played a pivotal role in nurturing a society that values and respects differences.
One of the key factors in Canada’s multicultural journey is its indigenous heritage. Canada’s indigenous peoples, also known as First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, have contributed to the country’s culture, identity, and development for centuries. Canada recognizes and celebrates the diversity and rights of its indigenous peoples, and is committed to advancing reconciliation and partnership with them.
Another key factor is Canada’s immigration policy, which has welcomed millions of newcomers from different countries and backgrounds since the late 19th century. Canada is one of the most multicultural countries in the world, with more than 200 ethnic origins reported by its citizens. The country’s immigration policy is based on the principles of fairness, compassion, and economic opportunity, and aims to attract skilled workers, reunite families, and support refugees and other vulnerable groups.
Canada’s official policy of multiculturalism was adopted in 1971, and enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982. The policy recognizes the cultural diversity of Canadians and encourages them to preserve and share their heritage, while also participating fully in Canadian society. Additionally, the policy also promotes mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding among different cultural groups, and protects them from discrimination and hate.
Another interesting point is that Canada’s multiculturalism policy is supported by various programs and initiatives, such as the Multiculturalism Program, which funds community projects that foster intercultural dialogue, civic engagement, and social inclusion. The country also celebrates various cultural events and occasions, such as Black History Month, Asian Heritage Month, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and Canada Day, to showcase the diversity and richness of its people and culture.
Canada’s diversity and inclusivity are not only a source of pride, but also a source of strength and innovation. Canada believes that by embracing and respecting diversity, it can build a more prosperous, peaceful, and harmonious society for all.
5. Breathtaking Natural Beauty
Canada is a country with a vast and diverse natural beauty, ranging from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the stunning Niagara Falls, from the rugged coastlines of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the serene lakes and forests of the interior. Canada has many natural wonders that attract visitors from around the world, such as:
- The Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world, reaching up to 16 meters (52 feet) in some places. The bay is also home to a rich marine life, including whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds.
- The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, which are a spectacular display of green, purple, and blue lights that dance across the night sky. The best places to see them are in the northern regions of Canada, such as Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Labrador.
- The Nahanni National Park Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers an area of 30,000 square kilometers (11,583 square miles) in the Northwest Territories. The park features the South Nahanni River, which flows through deep canyons, rapids, and waterfalls, including the Virginia Falls, which are twice the height of Niagara Falls. The park also has hot springs, caves, and diverse wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, and moose.
- The Rocky Mountains, which are a chain of snow-capped peaks that stretch along the border between British Columbia and Alberta. The mountains are part of five national parks: Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, and Waterton Lakes, which offer scenic views, hiking trails, skiing slopes, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Some of the most iconic sights in the Rockies are Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Icefields Parkway.
- The Haida Gwaii, which are a group of islands off the west coast of British Columbia, formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands. The islands are known for their remote and wild beauty, as well as their rich indigenous culture and history. The islands have ancient forests, rugged beaches, and diverse wildlife, such as eagles, bears, and orcas. The islands are also home to the Haida people, who are famous for their totem poles, canoes, and art.
6. Safety and Security
Canada is a country that values the safety and security of its citizens and visitors. According to the Global Peace Index, Canada ranked as the sixth most peaceful country in the world in 2023, based on factors such as crime, terrorism, political stability, and human rights.
The country has a comprehensive national security system that involves various federal departments and agencies, such as Public Safety Canada, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Canadian Armed Forces. These entities work together to protect Canadians from threats such as terrorism, cyber attacks, espionage, and natural disasters.
Additionally, Canada also has a strong and effective criminal justice system that aims to prevent and reduce crime, enforce the law, and rehabilitate offenders. Canada’s crime rate has been declining for decades, reaching its lowest level since 1972 in 2021.
7. Clean Environment
Canada is a country that is committed to protecting its environment and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. Blessed with a variety of natural resources, landscapes, and ecosystems that contribute to its biodiversity and beauty, Canada also developed a number of policies and programs that aim to promote clean growth, climate action, and environmental stewardship.
Here are some facts about Canada’s clean environment:
- Canada has the third-largest renewable freshwater supply in the world, and 9% of its territory is covered by freshwater. Canada is also home to 25% of the world’s wetlands, which provide important habitats for wildlife and help regulate water flows and quality.
- Canada has 10% of the world’s forests, which store carbon, produce oxygen, and support biodiversity. Canada is a global leader in sustainable forest management, and has 37% of the world’s certified forests. Canada also has the largest area of protected boreal forest in the world, which is a vital carbon sink and a refuge for many species.
- Canada has 243,000 kilometers of coastline, the longest in the world, and 7.1 million square kilometers of ocean waters, the fifth-largest in the world. Canada’s oceans are rich in marine life, including whales, seals, fish, and coral. Canada is working to conserve and restore its marine ecosystems, and has increased its marine protected areas from 1% in 2015 to 14% in 2020.
- Canada has a comprehensive plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan includes over 50 measures, such as carbon pricing, clean fuel standards, green infrastructure, electric vehicles, and nature-based solutions. The plan also supports innovation and job creation in the clean energy and technology sectors.
- Canada has a strong environmental protection regime that regulates pollution, waste, chemicals, and hazardous substances. Canada also has a robust environmental assessment process that ensures that major projects are subject to rigorous review and consultation. Canada is also a signatory to many international environmental agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Basel Convention.