Canada came in fourth place overall due to improved access to health care and citizenship.
Canada scored the fourth highest score in a recent survey that counted the policy of 52 countries.
The Migration Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) is an international measure of integration policies. These government policies affect how immigrants can easily find jobs, access language and educational opportunities, develop a sense of belonging, and grow into full-fledged citizens.
“MIPEX schools allow us to measure how well our policies support or prevent newcomers on their way to becoming more stable in Canadian society,” said Anna Triandafyllidou, Chair of Canadian Research Excellence in Migration and Integration at Ryerson University. “The index helps us to compare our performance over time and to identify when we have room for improvement or the ability to learn abroad.”
In the 2020 edition of MIPEX, Canada’s overall rate has doubled due to improved access to health care for asylum seekers and improvements to the 2017 National Law Act. In 2015, Canada had won six points in international rankings.
Canada’s biggest strengths are anti-apartheid policies, according to the report. It earns high marks because of its international laws and policies, including the multicultural policies listed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Canada has lost points because people without nationality, such as permanent residents, do not have the opportunity to participate in politics at the local or national level. There is also a shortage of full-time resident representatives in policy-making organizations. However, permanent residents have the opportunity to acquire citizenship, which gives them the right to vote, as soon as possible. This fact gained Canada some points.
The movement of the labor market requires significant development. Immigrants who do not have official documents or who have temporary work permits restricted face work restrictions. This allows them to have limited access to health care.
Family reunification policies were called “desirable” in the report. However, it was revealed that older children, as well as parents and grandmothers face greater barriers to meeting in Canada than in any of the top ten countries.
In terms of routes to permanent residence, Canada has lost points because the process could be lengthy and frustrating for a growing number of temporary immigrant workers.
Education in Canada has also been recognized for its multicultural education and equity policies that help children feel secure in school. However, better representation is needed throughout the curriculum, teaching career, and higher education.
The country with the highest score in the world is Sweden with 86 points in total. Finland came out on top in 85 points. Portugal scored 81. Canada followed with 80 points, while New Zealand finished fifth with 77 points.
“Among English-speaking countries, Canada is increasingly becoming an attractive and inclusive destination,” said Thomas Huddleston, Director of Research for Immigration Policy. “Canada, along with New Zealand, is replacing high-profile countries such as Australia, the UK and the United States, all of which are descending on MIPEX levels in this round under pressure from political power.”