subject: Canada Migrant Integration Policy Index [print this page] Canada Migrant Integration Policy Index Canada Migrant Integration Policy Index
By : Sarah Munawar
According to the latest edition of the Migrant Integration Policy Index, published on February 28th 2011, migrant workers and families in Canada enjoy the 3rd best integration policies among the countries studied. The study analyzes a country's ability to integrate migrants within its society. It judges a countries capability to integrate newcomers based on its state policies regarding labor mobility, education conditions, long term residency, political participation, anti-discrimination, access to nationality and chances of reuniting with families overseas.
According to the study, Canada ranked 1st in the anti-discrimination area because it has the strongest anti-discrimination laws and equality policies. Human Rights Codes and the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms compose the foundation of the Canadian government and help create a discrimination free society for immigrants.
Canada also offers migrants better labor market opportunities than US or Europe. Foreign workers share the same labor rights as nationals, have the same access to public job services and can work in any sector. The Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications represents Canada's public commitment to improving the integration of internationally trained workers into the Canadian labor market. Families of foreign workers have the same access to the Canadian labour market as the permanent residents.
In comparison to the other countries on the list, Canada ranked very high in its efforts to reunite families of migrants. Unlike many of the other countries, Canadian immigration policy recognizes same sex partners, adult children, minors, grandparents and orphaned minors as part of the migrant's family.
A crucial factor in Canada's success in integrating migrants with its society is its education conditions and its ability to meet the needs of international students and immigrant children. Canadian schools offer resources and public services to help the children of immigrants adjust to the Canadian school curriculum and system. Everyone in Canada has a right education. Canada's multiculturalism policy is instilled within the educational system and thus children learn from a young age to appreciate their heritage and Canada's diversity.
Canadian schools also offer their students the option to learn Frencha popular language in international business. Programs like ESL (English as a Second Language) are available for students at all levels of education to ensure that the children of migrants do not face language barriers.
Other great aspects about Canada mentioned in the study include: political liberties, dual citizenship, intercultural education and a professionalized citizenship test.
