NEW IDEAS
NEW ENERGY
NEW POTENTIAL

New Canadians Make
All The Difference

SeEn the posters?

For centuries, immigrants have helped Canada overcome its greatest challenges. We'd do well to remember that before blaming immigrants for all that ails us.

Cartoon of Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Montreal, 1847

Even though they were technically British subjects, Irish immigrants faced intense discrimination upon arrival – even the Protestants. Thankfully, they persevered.

Today, some of Canada's most beloved and respected figures are of Irish ancestry, including Prime Ministers St. Laurent, Mulroney, Martin, and Carney, and celebrities like Ryan Reynolds,  Shania Twain, and Stompin' Tom Connors.

Cartoon of Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Montreal, 1847

At the time of their arrival in the late 19th century, Ukrainians faced discrimination because of their religious and cultural differences.

But thanks in large part to Ukrainian immigrants who settled in the Prairies, Canada feeds the world. We're the world's largest exporter of wheat, and the biggest producer of lentils, peas, and rapeseed. In 2024, non-animal agriculture was a $48 billion industry employing over 115,000 Canadians.

Cartoon of Italian craftsmen in Toronto, 1949

Italian immigrants faced significant discrimination due to their Catholic faith. Still, they worked hard for Canada, with large numbers arriving after 1945. By 1960, one in three Toronto construction workers was Italian. These 15,000 workers built homes for millions, which we still enjoy today, and created generations of future tradespeople who continue to build housing we so desperately need.

Anybody who enjoys patio season should also thank Italian immigrants. Before their arrival, it was widely illegal for restaurants to serve alcohol outdoors.

Cartoon of hosers in hospital, 2025

A growing share of Canadians believe that our growing population is causing longer healthcare wait-times. This is untrue. The number of patients in the ER hasn't changed in 20 years. It just takes us longer to treat each one.

Immigrants are actually our best solution to our extreme healthcare labour shortages. They'd be even more helpful if Canada would let them, yet our habit of dismissing global credentials keeps thousands of qualified immigrants on the sidelines when we need them on the frontlines.

When driven people from around the world bet their dreams on Canada...

We all win big.

Future Canadians are Canada's future.

Immigration isn’t just about filling jobs or getting bigger. It’s about talented people dedicating their lives to making Canada ever more extraordinary for all of us.

Immigrants aren't just different. They make all the difference for Canada.

Canada's Difference Makers is a campaign by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.
Logo of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship

By the numbers

4%
of immigrants who apply through the points system are granted admission to Canada
25%
of Canada's doctors were trained in another country
140k+
vacant positions in homebuilding trades
100%
of Canadians benefit from immigrants' contributions to our success
Canoo into Canada
Canoo member, Rahul G. enjoying free access to national and provincial parks thanks to Canoo

Meet the difference makers

adrienne clarkson

‍

The Canada's Difference Makers campaign honours immigrant Canadians who have improved Canada for centuries – by becoming citizens and contributing their talents and energies to our shared success.

Meet all 40 Difference Makers

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HERE'S the difference we make

Amidst record declines in immigrant retention and plummeting demand for Canadian citizenship, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship is restoring Canada’s appeal to the newcomers who propel us forward. 

THe Canoo Access Pass

Mother and child looking at dinosaur in museum

Canoo is the ultimate welcome experience, providing newcomers with free entry to over 2,000 of Canada's best culture and nature experiences, plus incredible deals on concerts, sports, travel, and so much more.

Canoo works. 86% of Canoo members feel more attached to Canada after just one year.

We now serve over 810,00 people -- more than all other Canadian settlement services combined, for about 0.5% of the cost.

DONATE NOW TO HELP US SERVE 1,000,000 MEMBERS BY 2026 - FOR CANADA

WHAT's AT STAKE

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship is launching the Canada's Difference Makers campaign to honour our founders, the Rt. Hon Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul, as they pass the torch to new leadership.
We were inspired by real Difference Makers who make Canada stronger and more vibrant. This campaign honours them too.

Hear their stories. Learn what's at stake for all Canadians.
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Adrienne Clarkson
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Adrienne Clarkson

ICC co-Founder, former Governor General of Canada
Muraly Srinaryanathas
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Muraly Srinaryanathas

Entrepreneur
Carmen Steinberg
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Carmen Steinberg

Leadership Advisor
John Ralston Saul
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John Ralston Saul

ICC co-Founder, writer
OUR LEADERS (from left)

Irfhan Rawji, Chair
Daniel Bernhard, CEO
Institute for Canadian Citizenship
"
Immigration isn't just about compassion. It's about ambition for Canada.
Irfhan Rawji and Daniel Bernhard
Chair and CEO
Institute for Canadian Citizenship

JOIN US

With your support, we can help 1,000,000 newcomers fall in love with Canada.

This Institute for Canadian Citizenship is unlike most charities. We make a big impact on such a huge scale. Today, we serve over 810,000 people through our Canoo Access Pass, more than all other newcomer-serving organizations combined – for less than 0.5% of the cost.

Canada needs us to be bigger. Donate today to unlock Canada for 1,000,000 newcomers so that the next generation of Difference Makers can become Canadian and drive us forward.