Canada makes record numbers of immigrants settle in 2008

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has released preliminary data which revealed that record numbers of new temporary and permanent residents moved to Canada in the year 2008.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has released preliminary data which revealed that record numbers of new temporary and permanent residents moved to Canada in the year 2008.

The release showed that a total of 247,202 permanent residents were added in 2008, which is up by 70,000 from ten years ago. The total number of newcomers climbed to 519,722 when 193,061 temporary foreign workers and 79,459 students who came to study in Canada were also taken into consideration.

Canadian work permits are granted to temporary foreign workers in response to the demand from employers and the high numbers in this case represents increased demand from the labor market.

Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney said that he figures signifies the strength of Canada. He said that at a time when other countries are talking of taking fewer numbers of immigrants, he is very pleased to announce that Canada has increased the number of new permanent residents in Canada.

Kenney also responded to the general feeling for reduction in the immigration levels of Canada with a clear message that Canada will continue to add to its immigration population for the better of the country. He said that the government is not going to follow the advice of those who feel that steps needs to be taken to cut the immigration levels of Canada. He added that the Canadian government is in fact committed to maintain the planned immigration levels in 2009.