1867-1914: Background / Fitful Growth / Changing Conditions / First Wave / Laurier Boom

Fitful Growth

Economy

Policy Foundations

Block Settlements

The federal government's promotion of immigration was to attract specific immigrant groups. Although in theory framed by "open door" legislation, in practice immigration agents and offices in Europe did not welcome all ethnic groups and occupations. Canada was predominately rural and manufacturing. Its population and workforce was still largely to be found in the countryside rather than in city factories. Immigration promotion therefore attempted to attract prospective farmers or farm labourers. The Agriculture Department undertook most immigration promotion for the Canadian government. Its officials attempted to draw farmers with

experience and a little money saved, "men of good muscle who are willing to hustle," as one contemporary expression went. 5 Canada's most preferred immigrants had lived in rural areas of the British Isles, the United States, and Northern Europe, in that order. The government blatantly discouraged urban workers, artisans, and tradesmen from immigrating for fear that the nature of their skills would leave them unemployed. People from other regions, and particularly peoples of different colour, were much less welcome or were barred.

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