The 1975 Green Paper on Immigration and Population
(AKA the Canadian Immigration and Population Study)
As we approach the fortieth anniversary of the tabling of the Immigration Act, 1976, the Society has compiled some information that might be of interest to those who are researching this period in Canadian immigration history.
As part of the process of developing new immigration legislation to replace the 1952 Act, the government of the day commissioned a study known as the “Canadian Immigration and Population Study”, or “CIPS”.
This study’s report led to what was referred to as the “Green Paper on Immigration and Population”, which was tabled in the House of Commons on 3 February 1975. The Green Paper was actually four volumes, covering distinct areas.
1. Immigration Policy Perspectives – this volume outlined the historical evolution of Canada’s immigration policy and examined the social, economic, and demographic factors connected to future national objectives.
2. The Immigration Program – Volume 2 detailed the operational framework and procedures used to manage and process immigration to Canada, including the points system used to select independent immigrants.
3. Immigration and Population Statistics – this volume contained a comprehensive statistical overview of historical trends, demographic projections, and the ethnocultural origins of immigrants coming to Canada.
4. Three years in Canada – this was the first longitudnal report analyzing the economic and social adaptation of recent immigrants to Canadian society.
An upcoming feature article in the CIHS Bulletin will provide an overview of the social and economic factors which led to the launch of this consultation, ending with the tabling of the Green Paper. Later this year, closer to the anniversary of the tabling of the government bill which would eventually become the Immigration Act, 1976, we will have an examination of the legislation itself.
On our site, you will find further information on the Green Paper. We will be adding material to this page over the coming weeks to provide as much background information as possible regarding the process by which the government was able to enact the first modernization of Canada’s immigration laws since 1952.
