History 3N03: Poverty, Privilege and Protest in Canadian History — Annotated Bibliography

Asmaa Rakik                                                                                                        February 23, 2021

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History 3N03: Poverty, Privilege and Protest in Canadian History —  Annotated Bibliography

Reform and Reparation: A Political Shift in Immigration Policy and Practice

1. Angus, H. F. “The Future of Immigration into Canada.” The Canadian Journal of​         Economics and Political Science / Revue Canadienne D'Economique Et De Science Politique​, 12, no. 3 (August 1946): 79–386.  

In his article, Angus argues that the rise of immigration and the creation of the cultural mosaic were crucially influenced by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, enacted in 1982. He specifically notes that the Charter emphasizes the notion of a non-judgemental, inclusive and progressive society that must be upheld and maintained in Canada.  This legislation outlines universal respect and treatment for all individuals according to human rights principles, namely race, religion and creed, gender, orientation and socioeconomic status.  Angus proposes that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is pivotal literature that has drastically created a reform for immigration policies and has allowed for a more comfortable immigration process as well as acclimation into Canadian society.  This article is relevant to my thesis as it demonstrates the changes that were made for both Canadians in ​ ​[my own emphasis] Canada to uphold welcoming practices, while also imposing a new body of law, allowing for immigrants to more easily integrate.  These changes have placed Canada at the top of the global ranking in terms of its foreign acceptance and non-discriminatory practices.  

1. Gabriel, Christina. “A Different Road? Canadian Immigration Policy in the 1960s.” Labor: Studies in Working-Class History of the Americas​ 12, no. 3 (September 2015): 29–33.

Unlike other works in this bibliography, Christina Gabriel explores that Canadian immigration policies were built upon an explicit system of racial preferences, particularly favouring immigrants of Britain descent. She argues that there was a need to implement a universal and neutral reform to create a more inclusive policy that promoted equality within immigration. She extensively analyzes the 1952 Immigration Act and how this act was the beginning of abolishing the white dominance in immigration, which led to the 1967 Immigration Act. In relation to my essay, Gabriel's work strongly supports my paper's thesis, as it supports the argument that although the government was initially racist towards incoming immigrants, policies have progressed in the right direction as there was a significant focus between equality and race after the 1960s.  

1. Kelley Ninette., and Micheal J. Trebilcock. The Making of the Mosaic: A History of​          Canadian Immigration Policy.​ University of Toronto Press, 1998.  

Ninette Kelley and Micheal J. Trebilcock thoroughly examine the development and effects of Canadian immigration policies over nine periods beginning in the early 1400s, leading to policies that controlled refugee admissions in the 1990s. The authors emphasize that immigration policies do not stand alone; instead, they are formulated by material interest, ideas, institutions and public opinion formed over time. The authors use approximately 50 academic resources to support their claim while also revealing the outcome of changing composition of immigrants. Kelly and Trebilcock’s comprehensible insights from the pre-Conquest to the post-Confederation era will be explored throughout my essay. It provides a rich framework to grasp an all-encompassing and enriching perspective of historic Canadian immigration policies.  

1. Stafford, James. “Welcome but Why? Recent Changes in Canadian Immigration Policy.” American Review of Canadian Studies ​22, no. 2 (2009): 235-258.

In his article, Stafford argues that the steep increase in immigration to Canada after World War II was heavily driven by a need for manufacturing and general labour positions.  In order to meet the demand for such positions, the Canadian government recognized the benefits of allowing more immigrants to enter the country.  Stafford notes that border restrictions and immigration policies — specifically a reversal of certain policies that were seen as discriminatory — were amended to allow for the influx of immigrants entering to work and contribute to the economy, ultimately leading to the Immigration Act of 1976.  The government of Canada introduced new legislation to promote immigration for economic development, while more importantly encouraging a multicultural society.  This article supports the thesis of my essay, as it highlights the beginnings of reform of tight immigration policies, to allow for the promotion of diversity and a larger cultural diaspora across Canada.  

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