Canada is one of the few countries in the world which established an active program for permanent immigration (CIC , 2005). During the last decade, Canada has accepted an average of 220,778 immigrants and refugees each year (CIC, 2007). Canada’s Immigration Program is universal – Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) “assesses applicants from around the world according to universal criteria that determine their ability to adapt to a Canadian life and to settle successfully” (CIC, 2005, p.8), notwithstanding their race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion or gender.