2002
Anthony H Richmond
Trends in Canadian immigration and emigration in the last decade are examined, distinguishing ‘temporary’ and ‘permanent’ movements, economic migrants and refugees. Comparisons are made with those of other OECD countries. Global migration patterns have changed as a result of post-industrial technologies. Although money, goods and services may move relatively freely, people do not. Processes of inclusion and exclusion occur within and between countries and regions. A typology of migrant incorporation is presented. Questions of human security and border controls are considered. Recommendations are made concerning the protection of migrant human rights.
Canadian Studies in Population - Special Issue on Migration and Globalization
29
1
Introduction
This article addresses the question whether Canada, and other advanced industrial societies, are opening or closing their doors as a consequence of globalization. It includes a discussion of recent concerns regarding border security. Canada is traditionally a country of immigration. In terms of the proportion of its population that is foreign-born (16.2% in 1996), it is exceeded only by Australia (21.1%) and Switzerland (19.0%). However, global population movements have changed in recent decades. As a result, countries that were once noted for emigration, such as Italy, are now net gainers of population due to a combination of temporary and permanent migrants1. European migration includes categories variously described as ‘transit migration’, ‘incomplete migration’, ‘migrant trafficking’, ‘petty trading’, ‘labour tourism’, etc. (Salt, 2001:86). Migrant trafficking has increased as well as the efforts to control it. Salt concluded “...these movements, including those which we have always assumed to be international migration, can be considered as the component parts of a world-wide industry, consisting of a series of businesses where it is possible to identify vested interests which seek to develop, manage and promote migration flows.” (ibid: 106)
General relevance - all sectors
Policy analysis and Numbers of migrant workers
Researchers
National relevance
Demography
English
