Canada Plans to Open Its Doors to Large Scale Post-war Immigration

Canada is making post-war plans for increased immigration, it was learned here today. These plans are being studied, at present, by a special committee which is considering the need for increased population in relation to the Dominion’s agricultural, industrial, mining and new settlement requirements.

In the past, Canada based her immigration policy, particularly since the first World War, on agricultural and political needs. Politically, the province of Quebec–which held the balance of power–was strenuously opposed to newcomers to Canada on the grounds that every new settler was a threat to this balance of power. Today, it is admitted in the press and by Canada’s leaders that this policy has definitely hurt the Dominion, particularly at the present time when manpower is of such vital importance to the war effort.

Today, Canada finds itself, because of the war, not an agricultural country but rather an industrial one. But the pool of available man-power for industrial purposes is not sufficient. Therefore, since it is likely that industry will continue to hold a leading place after the war, it is planned to open the gates to increased immigration.

CANADIANS REGRET CURBS ON IMMIGRATION OF EUROPEAN JEWS

Considering the fact that the Jewish agricultural population in Canada has grown rather than decreased, it is admitted today that the Dominion could have used more Jewish immigrants as well as other Europeans. The reason for this is that enlistment figures of Canada’s fighting forces reveal that “New Canadians”–which includes Jews–form a large proportion. On a percentage basis the Canadian Jews rank fifth among the groups in the armed forces, headed only by the English, Scotch, Irish and Walsh. This achievement has exploded a strong argument of the anti-immigration laws, who asserted that the Jews would make good Canadian citizens. Today, it is the sons of these so-called “undesirables” that fly over Germany with the R.C.A.F., ride the seas on Corvettes in search of Nazi submarines, and partake in Commando attacks, such as the foray at Dieppe.

The Conservative Party–which is the official opposition in the Canadian House of Commons–held a round table conference this month at Port Hope, Ontario, where the question of immigration was discussed, together with other proposed planks in a new political platform. The young element in the Party has always been pro-immigration and many of them now in key positions are prepared to insure that a progressive immigration policy is adopted.

The Cooperative Commonwealth Federation–sometimes referred to as the Socialist and Labor Party of Canada–is also pro-immigration. Its chances of gaining power are considered excellent by those acquainted with Canada’s political scene, on the grounds that after the war this country will desire a great change.

One factor as to future immigration appears definite. Germans and other enemy aliens will not be admitted for a long period of time. The reason for that is not the fact that Canada is at war with Germany but rather that many Germans dwelling here are prone to be sympathetic to anti-democratic systems.