the CanadaVisa Team - 10 December, 2012
A recent study by the Migrant Integration Policy Index has ranked Canada as the third best country in the world for immigrant integration. The study, which analyzed conditions in 31 North American and European countries, saw Canada score 89/100 points to be ranked above all countries except Sweden and Portugal.
One of the factors leading to Canada’s favorable rankings is its high-quality, accessible education system.
“Education is a critical and important issue on immigrant performances. It helped move Canada up two spots in the ranking (from 2008),” said a researcher from the Association for Canadian Studies.
Additional factors such as a national policy of multiculturalism and comprehensive English and French education programs for newcomers also helped Canada climb to the top. On a provincial level, settlement programs and teacher trainings to help newcomers were also considered significant factors. However, for some immigrants it is simply Canada’s people and society that have made them feel welcome in their new home.
“No doubt if you compare Canada to European cities, we are living in a more open and non-discriminatory society,” said new Canadian citizen Fabio Crespin. “We are connected to all the local issues [...] and the things that affect our everyday life. It is the best way to engage people, so they commit to the country and feel they belong here.”
