January 1992

Table of Contents

Introduction
Immigration by Last Permanent Residence
Immigration by Province of Intended Destination
Immigrant Ages
Urban Concentrations
Immigrant Food Expenditures
Maritime Perspective
Factors Mediating Impact of Immigration
Future Immigration Patterns
Next Step

Introduction

The percentage of immigrants within the Canadian population is ever increasing, resulting in broadening ethnic diversity. About 16% of Canada's population is foreign born. The culturally-varied needs of this new sector of people may provide opportunities in servicing niche markets.

The importance of understanding these immigrants is emphasized by the fact that by the year 2010 Canada's population will have peaked at 28 million, and will begin to decline without any increase in net immigration. Immigrants may provide niche opportunities in two ways: 1) by providing for their direct food needs; and 2) providing foods for the operation of foreign food restaurants, the popularity of which is becoming mainstream as the result of a more worldly and educated non-immigrant society. By examining the numbers of immigrants, their countries of origin, and their provinces of destination, we may better understand who these people are, and how we can better serve their needs.

This paper will examine only secondary statistical data to profile Canada's and the Maritime's immigrant population. To determine definite needs, direct primary research on chosen groups of immigrants will be required, this being the next area of research to be addressed.