A Recent Study of Social and Economic Factors In Developed Countries Ranked Canada as the Second-Best Place to Live for Immigrants

Canada has a reputation for being one of the best countries in the world to live. We have universal health care, a stable economy, a multitude of social services, and an excellent education system. We are also extremely proud to have a multicultural society that continues to grow and prosper with immigration. Multiculturalism and immigration develop and modernize a society, contributing both socially and economically. From skills and economic growth to enriching a community with diversity, Canada wouldn’t be the country it is today, nor have the potential to grow and strive tomorrow, without immigration. Canada’s immigration system reflects this standpoint. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that when ranked among the world’s developed countries, Canada is the second-best place to live for immigrants.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released a report in June of this year urging developed countries to work hard to improve integration for immigrants—noting how beneficial this effort is for both host countries and immigrants. After the report had come out, U.S. News and World Report conducted a study to determine which countries were the best places to live, and specifically, which countries were the best places for immigrants. The study examined economic and social factors for each country, and thousands of people were consulted including business leaders and the general public.

The following factors influenced the ranking outcome for each country in the study:

  • Economic stability,
  • Income equality, and,
  • Labour markets.

Factors specific to immigration included:

  • The number of immigrants in a country’s population;
  • The amount of money immigrants were able to send overseas; and,
  • The United Nations (UN) rankings of immigrant integration policies.

Sweden holds the first place while Canada ranked second for its strong economy and its immigrant integration policies which include language training for newcomers. Other important factors that influenced Canada’s high ranking include the Express Entry program and the Canadian education system.

Canada ranked at the top for education since primary and secondary education is free and mandatory in Canada. Since Canada has a decentralized federation with provincial governments, the provincial education system allows for more localized curriculums. As a result of the successful education system, students in Canada scored above average on the OECD Program for International Student Assessment.

According to the study, the top 10 countries for immigration are:

  1. Sweden
  2. Canada
  3. Switzerland
  4. Australia
  5. Germany
  6. Norway
  7. United States
  8. Netherlands
  9. Finland
  10. Denmark

Although some of these top countries view immigration as a threat, this standpoint does more harm than good for a country’s social and economic well-being. Canada recognizes that a successful immigration system will benefit newcomers and the country as a whole. Canada’s high ranking amongst the world’s developed countries is an example of what works to make a country stronger. So long as Canada keeps moving forward and avoids the harmful sentiment that is influencing other countries, we can maintain our pride in being one of the best countries to live in the world.