Every Canadian has an immigration story. Whether your ancestors arrived 400 years ago or you're a newcomer yourself, immigration is at the heart of Canadian identity. This story is also yours.
"Canada is a country created by people who came from elsewhere."— Inspired by the Discover Canada guide
In this article, discover the inspiring stories of those who built the Canada you're about to join. From workers who built the railway to leaders who held the highest offices, these journeys show you one thing: by passing the citizenship test, you're writing your own chapter of this history. For the broader historical context, see our article on key dates in Canadian history.
🚂 The Pioneers: Those Who Built the Country
Chinese Railway Workers (1881-1885)
The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) united Canada from east to west, fulfilling the promise made during Confederation of 1867 to bring British Columbia into Canada. But without the 17,000 Chinese workers who built the most dangerous section in British Columbia, this project would have been impossible.
Did You Know?
Chinese workers made up 75% of the workforce on the section between the Pacific and Craigellachie. They saved contractor Andrew Onderdonk between $3 and $5 million.
These men worked in extremely dangerous conditions — blasting tunnels, building on steep cliffs — for half the pay of their colleagues. Approximately 700 of them lost their lives in workplace accidents.
Did You Know?
At the Last Spike ceremony on November 7, 1885, Chinese workers were not invited to the celebration. Their contribution wasn't officially recognized until 1977, when Chinese CPR workers were designated as a National Historic Event.
Ukrainian Prairie Settlers (1891+)
In 1891, Iwan Pylypow and Wasyl Eleniak became the first Ukrainians to settle in Canada, paving the way for tens of thousands more. The Canadian government actively recruited them to populate the Prairies.
First Ukrainian settlers arrive in Edna-Star, Alberta
5,682 Ukrainians in Canada
75,432 Ukrainians — 1% of Canadian population
Over 700,000 Canadians of Ukrainian descent
Did You Know?
Paul Yuzyk, a Ukrainian-Canadian, is considered the "father of multiculturalism." He played a central role in Canada adopting the world's first multiculturalism policy in 1971! Learn more about multiculturalism in Canada and how it shaped national identity.
👑 The Leaders: From Refugees to Crown Representatives
Three of Canada's last ten Governors General were immigrants. Their journeys illustrate Canada's promise: here, your origins don't limit your future.
Adrienne Clarkson (1939-)
Hong Kong → Canada (refugee, 1942)
Arriving as a refugee during the war, Adrienne Clarkson became the 26th Governor General of Canada (1999-2005). The first person of Asian origin to hold this position, she co-founded the Institute for Canadian Citizenship in 2005 to help new citizens integrate.
Michaëlle Jean (1957-)
Haiti → Canada (refugee, 1968)
Fleeing François Duvalier's dictatorship, Michaëlle Jean arrived in Canada at age 11. An award-winning journalist, she became the 27th Governor General (2005-2010) — the first Black woman and first Haitian to hold the position. She later led the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.
Ray Hnatyshyn (1934-2002)
Descendant of Ukrainian immigrants
24th Governor General of Canada (1990-1995), Ray Hnatyshyn was the first of Ukrainian descent to hold this position. His appointment symbolized the contribution of Ukrainian communities to building Canada.
Did You Know?
Michaëlle Jean is a descendant of enslaved people. She used her office to emphasize freedom as a central value of Canadian identity.
🏥 The Caregivers: The Backbone of Our Healthcare System
If you or a loved one has received care in Canada, there's a good chance an immigrant was part of that care. The Filipino community, in particular, is at the heart of the Canadian healthcare system.
Filipino Contribution by the Numbers
- 45,000 healthcare workers of Filipino origin (2016)
- 90% of migrant caregivers are Filipino
- Present in every hospital and care center across the country
The history of Filipino immigration to Canada dates back to the 1960s, when Canadian hospitals began actively recruiting nurses from the Philippines to address a critical staff shortage.
Did You Know?
In 1969, the Winnipeg Tribune noted that Filipino nurses were crucial to avoiding a "disastrous staff shortage" in rural hospitals. Without them, many hospitals would have had to close their doors.
💡 The Innovators: Building Tomorrow's Economy
Immigrants don't just fill positions — they create jobs. 32% of business owners with employees in Canada are immigrants. The Prime Ministers of Canada who opened borders to immigration helped build this nation of builders.
Tobias Lütke
Germany → Canada (2002)
Arriving in Canada to sell snowboards online, Tobias Lütke co-founded Shopify, which became one of the world's largest tech companies. With his co-founders, also immigrants (Daniel Weinand from Germany and Scott Lake from Scotland), they created a platform that enables millions of entrepreneurs to sell online.
V. Prem Watsa
India → Canada (1970s)
Nicknamed the "Warren Buffett of Canada," Prem Watsa founded Fairfax Financial Holdings in 1985. This Toronto-based insurance multinational is now one of the largest in the world.
Ajay Virmani
India → Canada
CEO of Cargojet, Ajay Virmani transformed this company into Canada's leading air cargo carrier, serving businesses across North America.
Did You Know?
According to a Shopify study, immigrant-owned e-commerce businesses in Canada have 1.8 times more customers and 1.4 times more sales than non-immigrant-owned ones.
🌟 Stories of Resilience: Refugees of Yesterday and Today
Since 2015, Canada has welcomed more than 100,000 Syrian refugees. Among them are doctors, entrepreneurs, artists — all rebuilding their lives and contributing to their new homeland. To understand the waves of immigration that have shaped Canada, read our article on the history of immigration in Canada.
Danny Ramadan
Syria → Canada (refugee, 2014)
One of the first Syrian refugees to arrive in Canada, Danny Ramadan became a successful author. His novels and children's books are available in libraries across the country. He has personally sponsored 28 refugees and raised over $300,000 for Rainbow Refugee.
Omar Alghabra
Saudi Arabia (of Syrian origin) → Canada
Former Minister of Transport of Canada, Omar Alghabra illustrates how immigrants can reach the highest levels of Canadian government.
Did You Know?
Canada welcomes more immigrants per capita than any other G7 country. In 2024, 483,640 new permanent residents were admitted.
📜 Immigration History at a Glance
First Chinese workers arrive at Nootka Sound, Vancouver Island
Confederation of Canada
Completion of the CPR railway
First Ukrainian settlers in the Prairies
First Canadian Citizenship Act
Canada becomes the first country to adopt a multiculturalism policy
Welcoming of over 100,000 Syrian refugees
Your chapter begins here
Your Story Is Part of History
These people — from railway workers to Governors General, from nurses to entrepreneurs — all have one thing in common: they chose Canada, and Canada chose them back.
As you prepare for the citizenship test, you're not just learning dates and facts. You're preparing to join a centuries-old story of courage, resilience, and contribution.
What's Next? These people all passed the citizenship test (or would have if the law had existed in their time). Now it's your turn to write your chapter.