During Tuesday evening’s Steinbach City Council meeting, Councillor Bill Hiebert opened with remarks about Canada Day, sharing his reflections on the country’s growth, cultural diversity and international reputation as a place of opportunity.
Hiebert said he was inspired by citizenship ceremonies held across Canada on July 1, celebrating new Canadians who now call this country home. He shared population data and personal stories to highlight the impact of immigration and the values that make Canada attractive to newcomers.
“On Canada Day, we celebrate our freedoms, rights and responsibilities as Canadian citizens,” said Hiebert. “Plus we remember our history and the values that define us — true north, strong and free.”
National immigration rates remain high
Hiebert noted that according to the 2024 Canadian Census, the country’s population stood at 41,465,298, with 8.3 million immigrants accounting for 23 per cent of the total. That proportion gives Canada the highest per capita immigration rate in the world.
Since 2021, Hiebert said Canada has welcomed well over 400,000 immigrants annually, driven largely by economic policy. In addition, he cited 2023 data showing that 143,770 people sought asylum in Canada, which represents roughly 10 per cent of all global refugee claims.
“So why would people choose Canada?” Hiebert asked. “First and foremost, freedoms, peace, security and the opportunity for all citizens to prosper.”
He also praised Canada’s natural beauty and national achievements, referencing contributions to healthcare, sports and technology, such as insulin, basketball and the snowmobile.
Steinbach continues to grow
Bringing the focus back to Steinbach, Hiebert highlighted the city’s continued growth. While the 2021 census pegged the population at 17,806, the city now estimates its population has surpassed 20,000 residents based on new dwelling counts and population density.
This growth stands out at a time when national numbers have slowed. A recent Statistics Canada report showed Canada’s population grew by just 20,107 people between January 1 and April 1 of this year — an increase of less than 0.1 per cent.
Personal connection shared
Hiebert concluded with a story about an Uber driver he met in Ottawa during the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference in June. The driver, originally from the Congo, fled as a child with his mother to escape rebel soldiers. They eventually made their way to a refugee camp in Uganda before immigrating to Canada.
“He shared how thankful he was for Canada to give them a chance for a new life,” said Hiebert. “Currently he is in the process of training to be a professional truck driver and looking forward to the future.”
Hiebert said the encounter reinforced his pride in Canada and Steinbach, and he encouraged all Canadians to contribute to the continued success of the country.
“Ninety-five per cent of Canadians have an immigrant or refugee background,” he said. “That would include all of us here. So all of us as Canadians need to do our part to continue to build this great nation.”