Introduction & Motivation

Introduction

I firmly believe that immigration, whether driven by economic factors, refugee crises, displacement, war, or political and environmental challenges, will be one of the defining issues of my generation. Yet, in today’s world, immigration often sparks intense debate and defining policies, fueled by conflicting opinions, misinformation, and a general lack of understanding. Given that immigration will continue regardless of policies aimed at addressing its root causes, it is crucial to reflect on Canada’s own historical approach. By understanding the foundations of our immigration policies, we can better comprehend Canada’s current political landscape and navigate the challenges ahead.

As such, this Omeka exhibition seeks to inform users on the pivotal moment in the 1960s when Canada introduced its points-based immigration system, moving beyond the lens of House of Commons debates to place it in a broader social, political, and economic context.

This moment in question is when the Liberal government under Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson replaced overtly race-based immigration rules with the aim of an objective “points system” for selecting immigrants. This innovation reflected both the shifting values of the era and the practical needs of the Canadian economy as Western European immigration was declining, and the country required skilled labour from a wider pool of applicants.

This exhibition situates the 1967 reforms within Canada’s broader move toward multiculturalism, officially adopted as policy in 1971, and explores how debates and public opinion unfolded in Parliament and in the public sphere.[1] Furthermore, it presents personal analysis on the impact of this change and reflections drawing on my personal experience and use of this Omeka platform to present my analysis. By tracing this evolution, the exhibit invites reflection on how policy innovation reshaped Canada’s identity at home and its image abroad.

Motivation

My motivation to undertake this project via Omeka is driven by both curiosity and personal experience. As a Political Science and History student, I have engaged with themes of migration frequently, but mostly at a surface level focused on outcomes rather than the deeper structural dynamics. This project offers a valuable opportunity to conduct a comprehensive, nuanced exploration of migration systems, an area I find crucial yet underexamined in my studies so far.

Additionally, my recent work experiences this summer at the constituency office of a Member of Parliament have exposed me firsthand to the complexities of immigration cases today. I have witnessed both the remarkable successes within the system and its significant limitations such as challenges in communication, bureaucratic hurdles, and the deeply personal sentiments involved for those navigating immigration processes. These experiences fueled my desire to understand how different immigration systems function and why certain countries, like Canada, differ starkly from others facing crises such as Los Angeles earlier this summer, or political upheavals like Brexit. What structural factors contribute to these differences? Are they uniquely Canadian? How do issues like discrimination and classism manifest in immigration policies in Canada in contrast to countries like Spain or Mexico, and how does Canada’s system compare or contrast?

Furthermore, on a personal level, my family’s immigration journey from Colombia to Canada when I was five, I think has profoundly shaped my perspective and interest in perusing this subject matter. My parents migrated through the professional stream, seeking better opportunities, a pathway that connects directly to the broader themes of this research and can probably to a degree be credited to it. Furthermore, I have a strong interest in policy, highlighted by my concerns about current challenges in Canada’s immigration system, such as the impact of the restrictions on student visas and recent case studies like those at Cape Breton University where I grew up.

By undertaking this research, I hope to deepen my understanding of the structural factors shaping immigration policies and contribute to meaningful discussions about inclusivity and equity.

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[1] Daniel Meister et al., “Heterosexism in Canadian Immigration Policy, 1952-1978,” Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, accessed August 8, 2025, https://pier21.ca/immigration-history/heterosexism-canadian-immigration-policy-1952-1978.