Alyssa T.

Immigration to Canada 

Alyssa T.
Peel Independent History Fair
Brampton, ON

My project is centered around immigrants who arrived in Canada throughout the 1850s to present day. I feel that this is a very relevant topic in today’s time, and many people have misconceptions about the immigrants arriving in Canada. My main focus was on groups as a whole, rather than individual people, because of unique stories and contributions that made Canada what it is today. However, there’s no forgetting the challenges that they’ve faced and overcame, which is why I brought a highlight to their ups, and even their downs. Throughout my research about various European and Asian groups (e.g. Scottish, Irish, Russian, Chinese, Indian and African Diaspora), I’ve found many weren’t given a warm welcome, or that their welcome came with inequitable additions. They were judged by their languages, culture, way of living and their backgrounds, while Canadians at the time leaned towards an “all-white Canada”.  

What sources and evidence did you consult for your project? What different perspectives did they provide on your topic?

Throughout this project, I consulted a variety of sources, including everything from articles, websites, primary sources and interviews with immigrants from my family.  I’ve gone through 50+ websites and articles. By using multiple sources, I can ensure that my research/information is unbiased, relevant and focused on multiple perspectives.   

What is the historical significance of your topic?

Canada is a country of immigrants, and we wouldn’t be the same without them.  I find that this is the most important and relevant topic in Canada’s history that often gets overlooked.  Normally, people are focused on wars, Confederation and historical structures, but let’s be honest, that wouldn’t be possible without immigrants.  For example, the Canadian Pacific Railway was constructed by over 17,000 Chinese immigrants, who were underpaid and faced dangerous work.  While Canada is seen as a welcoming country, that hasn’t always been the case, and we need to “right the wrongs”, and dive deeper into our history.  

When immigrants first arrived in Canada, there were many short-term effects such as completing projects (e.g. CPR), inhabiting unused land, and increased cultural interactions. Long-term effects included a boost in economic demand, increased consumption, added support in occupations, and most importantly, added cultural diversity.  

Why did you choose this topic? 

I chose this topic for three main reasons; firstly, I found it intriguing how diverse Canada is, so it led me to wonder how such a large variety of people came to Canada throughout our history. Secondly, my mother is an immigrant herself, and I found her story of immigration from Vietnam to Canada fascinating. Lastly, there has been much talk on the news about Canada receiving high immigration numbers, and many concerns that come with it.