Why Is Toronto Such a Popular Destination for Immigrants?
The city of Toronto is Canada’s most popular destination for new immigrants. But why? The city’s bustling economy, vibrant culture, and diverse population make all the difference in making the city attractive to newcomers.
Toronto: The most popular destination for immigrants
Looking at the numbers, Toronto is staggeringly popular among immigrants, more so than any other city in Canada. Located in the province of Ontario, the city of Toronto is in the geographic centre of Canada, a relatively short drive to the nation’s capital of Ottawa, the French-Canadian hub of Montreal, and the border to the United States.
In 2021 about half of all new immigrants flocked to the province of Ontario, with the majority hoping to settle in Toronto. The city’s immigrant population has been growing steadily over the past several decades, now with immigrants making up nearly half of the total population and more than half of the population identifying as a member of a visible minority community.
For those looking for a welcoming environment for newcomers within the bustling metropolis of Canada’s largest city, Toronto offers an unparalleled living situation!
Why do so many people choose Toronto?
There are many reasons why people choose to live in Toronto. However, when asked about it, most Torontonians will mention some or all of the following:
Employment: Toronto has one of the strongest economies in the country. There are many job opportunities across a range of industries. Most recently, Toronto has been ranked as one of the leading tech-jobs markets in North America, making it an extremely attractive destination for those working in computer programming, software engineering, and database management positions.
Culture: The city is well-known for its vibrant cultural offerings. The city has exquisite cuisines from around the world, incredible cultural neighbourhoods, like Chinatown and Little Italy, and some amazing artistic companies and festivals. Every year the city hosts the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), one of the most well-known film festivals in the world, and plays home to the prestigious Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) and the renowned National Ballet of Canada.
Diversity: According to the 2016 census, immigrants made up a staggering 49% of the city’s population. While this number may seem high, it makes sense when considering the many different cultures, neighbourhoods, and activities offered by the city. Toronto has always celebrated its multicultural population, touting diversity as a strength, even being named the most diverse city in the world by BBC Radio in 2016.
Access to Services: Toronto has a robust public transit system, allowing its residents to travel quickly and easily throughout the city using subways, busses, streetcars, and GoTrains. As well, as with every city in Canada, citizens and permanent residents have access to universal healthcare and social services. This means that residents can access the many hospitals and community services which promote their health and well-being.
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