Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Western Canada

As a multicultural country, Canada has allowed and invited over millions and millions of refugees and immigrants. Today, many describe Canada as the most “welcoming” country in the world. However, when we look back, immigration began for a selfish reason, not selfless. This immigration of large amounts of people began in the early 1900s. It was the beginning of a new era, of something great…something that would change the face of Canada.

In the early 1900s, the Canadian government were afraid that the American West settlers might run through the borders and feared an American take-over of the vast prairies. In this realization, prime-minister Laurier decided to invite immigrants from Europe with many promises (e.g. free land). However, it was not only the material and land wealth that lured in immigrants but also their beliefs and reasons. The persecuted knew that in such a place as Canada, it would mean the beginning of a new life, new values, and practice religious and cultural acts freely. Lawyer and establisher of Canadian Bill of rights, John G. Diefenbaker once stated, “I am a Canadian [by conviction], free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.”

After arriving in to the “promised land”, immigrants found themselves in a place different from what they imagined. Many non-European immigrants were discouraged from entering Canadian borders. The Japanese had a limit of people who could enter; the Hindu had to pay $200 (a significant figure at the time) and some were not even allowed in – no matter what. People who did find their designated properties were given the necessities, but started a very poor living. The Eastern Europeans who settled were subject to suspicion due to the fact that they did not speak English, belonged to their churches, and even resisted assimilation.  Generally, the life in the early years for immigrants in Canada was quite harsh.

As a result of mass immigration during the 1900s, Canada changed profoundly. Population darted up by tens of thousands. In fact, the entire Canadian population nearly doubled in only a few decades! As western Canada became populated, the government decided to put up harsher screening processes and tests. Soon, in the midst of the many immigrants, Canadian culture changed. New fashion, technology and much more were introduced. Canada is truly multicultural country.