— Calderwood says Canada receives some 300,000 immigrants every year
KARACHI: Canadian High Commissioner in Pakistan Perry J Calderwood on Sunday said that Canada cared very much about the prosperity of Pakistan since a large number of Pakistanis had immigrated to Canada and the Canadian government cared for the countries from which a sizable number of people had immigrated to Canada.
He was speaking on the occasion of a reception hosted by him and the consul general of Canada in Karachi to celebrate the 150th anniversary year of Canda’s confederation.
The high commissioner said that Canada was a peaceful, pluralistic society with strong democratic values and the country was characterized by its diversity and inclusiveness. Diversity is Canada’s strength as it promotes multi-culturalism, he said.
He further said that Canada welcomed around 300,000 immigrants every year into its territories, which comprised about one percent of its population. He said that Pakistan was one of the leading source countries of immigrants to Canada.
He also said that Canadians continue their longstanding tradition of welcoming refugees, adding that in 2016, Canada received nearly 40,000 Syrian refugees, many of whom were sponsored by local community groups. A similar number is being welcomed this year, he said.
Canada’s commitment to inclusiveness is reflected in its political leadership, the high commissioner went on to say. For the first time in history, Canada’s federal cabinet, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is characterised by gender parity with women occupying half of the ministerial portfolios. The cabinet includes several ministers who were born outside of Canada, such as the minister of immigration, who came to Canada as a refugee from Somalia.
He further said that Canada was proud for its conferment of equal citizenship to all its citizens, adding that all Canadians were allowed to aspire to the highest offices in the land, whether they became citizens a week ago or their ancestors have been living in Canada for many centuries. He said that such a policy ensured the protection of the rights of all citizens – regardless of race, religion, language, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities – and that everyone had a contribution to make.
He said that history had taught Canadians that inclusiveness and respect for diversity provided the best foundation for a prosperous, secure and well-governed country. The Canadian envoy said that valuing diversity also extended to Canada’s foreign relations as it cared about the security and prosperity of countries where “our fellow” Canadians came from, and where they have their families and friends.
Thus, Pakistan has been a major recipient of Canadian development and humanitarian assistance, he said.
The reception was largely attended by diplomats, government and military senior officials, politicians and the elite of town.
