CANADA'S ATTITUDE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 4, 6 January 1931, Page 5

CANADA'S ATTITUDE.

RESTRICTIONS EXPLAINED.

TO MINIMISE UNEMPLOYMENT, i An explanation of the operation of • the Canadian immigration restrictions "was given by Mr. C. M. Croft, Canadian Government Trade Commissioner. "This office," said Mr. Croft, "is, of course, primarily concerned with the development of trade between the two Dominions, and therefore is not in a position to give an official interpretation of the Canadian immigration regulatons. Roughly, the requirements as applying to British subjects are designed to keep out any person who is i likely to become a charge on the State or on charitable organisations. At present, with unemployment prevalent, the immigration authorities are refusing entry to anyone who is of a trade or occupation where there is unemployment alreadyexisting. Thus, say a carpenter arrives in Canada seeking entry: If there is unemployment among carpenters, it is improbable that he will be admitted, as lie will be either unemployed or will secure a position at the expense of someone who has been resident in Canada for a longer period. The rigidity of the interpretation of the immigration regulations at present is undoubtedly due to a desire to relieve the unemployment situation and certainly not aggravate it. Accentuating the present position is the presence of the Canadian winter. "If a prospective immigrant could satisfy the immigration officer at the port of entry of the existence in relations or friends who were in a position and willing to take care of him, he would have a very much better chance of securing admission. The father or mother, ihc wife, the unmarried sou or daughter 18 years or over, the child unde 18 years, or the unmarried bother or sister of any person legally admitted to and resident of Canada are specially providde for in the regulations, and no restrictions apply "if the authorities are satisfied of his willingness and ability to receive and care for such relatve. Canada has never endeavoured to attract settlers from New Zealand or any other of the overseas Dominions, and at present this office, when consulted regarding settlement in Canada, suggests the deferring of any such action until conditions have improved materially. "Briefly, " the Canadian immigration regulations provide essentially for the ready admission of British subjects, with the proviso, at present, that there shall be no likelihood of their becoming a burden on the State or swelling the number of unemployed. With the vast area not under cultivation, farmers are the class most welcomed."