SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CANADIAN MIGRATION 819
clians in this country. It is a conservative estimate to suppose that at least one-third of the Canadians living in the United States represent families, and, taking five * as the average family, the result would be about three millions of people properly belong- ing to Canada, but living in the United States ; that is, more than half the entire population of Canada at the present time. In the light of the foregoing, is it not reasonable to admit the force of the American contention that, judging by actions, the Canadians like this country with its opportunities and institutions better than their own?
It may be urged, as an offset to this, that Canadians are return- ing, and that citizens of the United States are migrating to Canada. Accessible figures show that there is a movement in this direction, even to the eastern provinces. As far back as 1898, New Brunswick reports 7 2,770 new settlers, and of these 2,486 were returned Canadians and 156 United States immigrants. But the " returned Canadians " were not necessarily all from the United States. Efforts are being made by the Canadian govern- ment to induce settlers from the republic on the south to enter the country, and with considerable success ; but it is not reasonable to suppose that the loss in numbers will be made good. There are in Canada 1 27,899 8 natives of the United States, 87,049 of whom are naturalized citizens, while the remaining 40,850 are aliens. These people are largely of the farming class people who are ready and willing to take up the new lands of the West. This taking up of new lands is not an attractive prospect for the aver- age ambitious young person from the eastern provinces, and it is doubtful whether the agricultural interests of his country will ever appeal to him ; and so he turns to the southern republic, with its limitless opportunities.
Although, as mentioned, there is much complaint in the United States about the class of workers who return to Canada for a portion of each year to enjoy the money they have earned, it will be seen that a large number remain as citizens in the coun-
- 5.2 is the average Canadian family at home.
Blue Book, Department of the Interior, 1898. 'Census of Canada, 1901, Vol. I, p. 449.
