The making of the mosaic: a history of Canadian immigration policy

Abstract

A Nation of Immigrants: Past, Present and FutureChristopher G. AndersonNinette Kelley and Michael Trebilcock. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1998.Immigration made the last century success for Canada.(1) So declared Elinor Caplan, the minister of Citizenship and Immigration, as she announced the government's intention admit between 200,000 and 225,000 and refugees into the country during 2000. It is remark that none of the authors under review here would probably contest, as they all, each in their own fashion, explore various ways in which newcomers have contributed Canada throughout its history. Whereas the minister's comment was offered as an expression of millennial optimism, however, there is another, darker side the immigration story that is also the focus of the books examined below. Canada has not always opened its door and refugees, and those admitted have not always found themselves welcomed as equal members of society. For much of the country's history, immigration has been used as means increase the labour pool in the pursuit of economic growth, and most did not share in the wealth that was thereby created. Of course, the immigrant experience in Canada (and the Canadian experience with immigration) has never simply been an economic process, but also one of managing the reality of social diversity and understanding the meaning of political equality. As well, the experience has involved search for safety by the persecuted, and Canada's response the needs of refugees constitutes another way in which assess the country's success in the twentieth century.Thus, Caplan's statement - like the familiar refrain that Canada is a nation of immigrants - is at first blush telling more for what it hides than what it reveals. The books under review here help develop the tools necessary comprehend more fully the complexity of what it means for Canada succeed as country of permanent settlement for and refugees. The five volumes reflect the diversity of the field across disciplines and methodologies. Here the reader is drawn through the realms of demography, history, political science and sociology, carried by empirical and theoretical work, macro- and micro-level studies, qualitative and quantitative analyses, archival research and surveys of the literature, often undertaken in compelling combinations. The authors and editors explore the distant and recent past, but always with an eye towards the present and the near future. If there is one common theme that joins these texts it is that understand Canada, it is necessary study the many ways in which newcomers have shaped its evolution. Not surprisingly, the authors and editors do not manage all that they set out achieve. Indeed, individually and collectively, these works reveal in particular the extent which the last quarter of the twentieth century remains little understood. None the less, each book makes distinct contribution the study of Canadian immigration (and therefore of Canada as well) and establishes important signposts for future research.With the publication of The Making of the Mosaic, notable need in the Canadian immigration policy literature has at last been, if not satiated, then at least well satisfied. Prior Ninette Kelley and Michael Trebilcock's volume, students lacked comprehensive guide this policy area.(2) In providing such resource, the authors offer more than just an introduction for those unfamiliar with the field, or an overview for others already well-versed. They also provide, in effect, useful guide the literature that brings attention some of its strengths and weaknesses. In seeking to describe and interpret the major epochs or episodes in the evolution of Canadian immigration policy with view uncovering and rendering explicit the ideas or values, the interests, and the issues that engaged public debates, and examining the institutions through which these ideas, interests, and issues were mediated in each of these periods (4), Kelley and Trebilcock have set themselves formidable task. …