Evolution of Canadian immigration policy. The experience of resettlement and measures towards inclusiveness

Abstract

As a strategy, immigration has been central to Canadian development since Canada’s inception in 1867. Bearing in mind what James Hollifield describes “a liberal paradox” that is a trend among states towards greater international economic openness accompanied by internal closure due to security concerns, this article investigates whether Canada is trapped in that paradox. The article argues that the Canadian government succeeded not only in implementing an immigration management system but also in introducing measures towards inclusiveness. Consequently, Canada, to a large extent, escaped this trap. Explanation of the decision-making processes in immigration policies as well as the function of the main political actors in Canada is based on classical system analysis theory. The main questions are asked: how do inputs from society affect public policy on immigration? How, in turn, do outputs of public policy affect society and subsequent demands? How have inputs and outputs changed immigration policies over time?