Daily Times

KARACHI: The Canadian government will continue its programme of accepting immigrants from across the globe for the economic growth and prosperity of the nation, said Canadian High Commissioner, Perry John Calderwood, on Thursday.

Speaking at an event organised by the English Speaking Union of Pakistan, Calderwood said immigrants played a vital role in Canada’s economic progress, stability, and prosperity.

“About 20 percent of Canadians are born outside of the Canada but they are playing an active role in the uplift of the country as a vehicle of growth,” he added.

“About 300,000 immigrants make Canada their home every year. They are also serving the country and hold high government positions,” Calderwood said, continuing, “No political party in Canada is against immigration.”

Calling Canada a home for marginalised people, the High Commissioner said until 1960, immigration was mainly European-centric but now people from every country are being attracted by the beauty of Canada’s diversity and multiculturalism.

He said women are playing an equally constructive role with their male counterparts in all segments of society. In Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet there are 15 women and 15 men – a prime example of an egalitarian approach, he asserted.

90 percent of children in Canada are enrolled in public schools and Calderwood believes that the Canadian model of prosperity can be adopted by any country.

Regarding bilateral trade between Pakistan and Canada, he noted that in the last year (2016), trade between the two countries was recorded at $1.5 billion with the volume mostly consisting of textile products.

“Trade growth is good sign of improvement of the economic relations of both countries,” he added.

In response to a question about granting special access to Pakistan in the Canadian market – similar to Bangladesh – he assured that he would convey the suggestions to the relevant department for consideration.

English Speaking Union of Pakistan President, Aziz Memon, also highlighted the important role of Canada in aiding the eradication of polio from Pakistan.