At the Intersection of Security and Discrimination: Canadian Immigration and the Case of Irene Rebrin

Within academic circles, terms such as “nation” and “Canada” are highly contested. They are loaded with historical, cultural and linguistic meaning, and thus welcome deep investigation which often produces heated debate. The history of Canadian immigration policy is a particularly interesting and contested subject that challenges scholars to investigate the meaning of citizenship and national identity. This is perhaps most evident during a unique period in the immediate postwar years, when the proverbial gates to Canada became “vulnerable” to Cold War Communism.

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The Ideas, Economics and Institutions of Canadian Immigration

Since their election in 2006, the Conservatives have sold themselves as a big immigrant party. On October 31, 2006, after 10 months in power, the Tories declared they planned to accept between 240,000 and 265,000 newcomers as permanent residents in 2007. The 2006 budget had reduced the Right of Permanent Residence Fee from $975 to $490. What are some of their major changes and how do they fit in with Canada's historical position towards immigrants?

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