To the Editor of the Manchester Guardian,
Sir, – You have been kind enough on more than one occasion to give publicity to letters from me relating to the inducements extended by the Dominion and Provincial Governments of Canada to persons who from one cause or another are contemplating emigration from the United Kingdom.
I venture to think that in no part of the world can settlers obtain greater advantages than in the Dominion of Canada. In Manitoba, the North-west Territories, and parts of Ontario free grants of 160 acres of land are to be had. In Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, as well as in Manitoba and the North-west Territories, public lands can be purchased on nominal terms. And in every part of the country improved farms may be acquired at reasonable prices by those who are possessed of a little means.
The agricultural industry is in a flourishing condition. There is a large market, locally for the produce that is raised, while the exports of the Dominion, particularly to Great Britain, of cattle, meats, grains of all kind, flour, butter, cheese, eggs, and fruit are increasing with great rapidity. It is not only in agriculture, however, that opportunities await the new settler. Canada has abundant wealth in her forests, mines, and fisheries, all of which can be more rapidly developed than at present with the advent of capital and more people; and the same remarks apply to the important manufacturing industry which is expanding so satisfactorily.
Both in agriculture and in the other directions mentioned there are excellent openings for men with money and for labour of the classes in demand. It may be added that taxation is light, that the cost of living is relatively cheaper than in the United Kingdom, that the climate is healthy and attractive, and that a man with a family has unusual facilities for the education and starting in life of his children.
Canada has room for many millions more than her present population. The occupation of the immense areas of fertile land now awaiting cultivation means increased markets for British productions, which now receive a tariff preference of 33 1-3 per cent over similar merchandise from other countries. At the same time it would provide additional sources of supply of the many food and other products which Canada can furnish in abundance, and which the United Kingdom is likely to continue to import in large quantities. It can readily be understood, therefore, that the question of immigration is regarded in the Dominion, and in the colonies generally, as of Imperial as well as of local importance.
The Canadian Government have appointed agents in different parts of the United Kingdom, from whom, as well as from my own Department, full particulars about Canada may be obtained, either personally or by letter; and my principal object in once more drawing attention to the matter is to emphasise the importance, to those contemplating emigration, of procuring in advance the fullest and most reliable information available. – I am, &c., STRATHCONA.
Offices of the High Commissioner for Canada, 17, Victoria-street, London, S.W.; January 16, 1901.
