Changing landscapes

managing migration and skills Canada’s newcomer integration programs

Abstrakti

I would like to start by stressing the significant role that integration plays in Canada. It is key to social cohesion in a country built on multiple identities. In most countries, social cohesion arises from a shared identity, a long history of shared ethnic or community kinship. However, in Canada, we do not share as individuals, a common history. We share Canada’s history, a story of immigration and a changing environment. We share values of freedom, respect and belonging. Our linguistic duality, regional and cultural diversity, challenging geography and proximity to the United States make us unique. Integration fosters relationships of trust that enable Canadians to take joint and collective action and peacefully resolve conflicts. Canada’s integration policies build mutual respect amongst
immigrants, refugees and nativeborn Canadians. Integration is the basis of our social cohesion.