Canada has moved up two spots to land in third place in the latest Migrant Integration Policy Index, which measures integration policies of European and North American countries.
Two years ago Canada ranked fifth on the list, but has since moved up due to recent policy changes, such as the government’s efforts to establish a foreign-credential recognition system.
There was, however, one area in which Canada scored relatively poorly, which was on the political front. Immigrants to Canada, though often highly active once they obtain citizenship, have little power before that point.
“We don’t permit [residents] to vote in local municipal elections unless they’re citizens,” said director of the Association for Canadian Studies Jack Jedwab. “There are a number of European countries that do permit that, and that’s considered a benchmark against which we’re not doing very well.”
However, strong settlement policies as well as strong economic performances of new arrivals, have kept Canada a top destination.
“Migrant workers and their families have some of the best labour market opportunities in Canada – far better than in Europe on average or the U.S.” said the report.
Sweden and Portugal were ranked first and second, respectively. However, both countries have a much smaller percentage of immigrants when compared to overall population.
Source: Globe and Mail