Pull Factors
What did Canada offer that allowed families to build new farms and homes?
Plentiful farmland and open space.
What political condition caused many Polish people to lose their freedoms?
Political oppression under foreign rule.
What type of housing did many early Polish settlers live in?
Small, crowded cabins with poor conditions.
In which regions did Polish settlers help clear land and build early farming communities?
Ontario and the Prairies.
How many Polish immigrants lived in Canada between 1901–1911?
33,652.
What types of physical jobs were widely available for newcomers?
Farming, logging, mining, and railroad work.
What major events forced many Polish families to flee their homes?
Wars and invasions.
What communication barrier did many newcomers struggle with?
Difficulty speaking English or French.
What important industries did Polish immigrants strengthen through hard work?
Logging, mining, and railway construction.
What was the Polish population in Canada between 1921–1931?
145,308.
What economic benefit attracted many Polish immigrants to Canada?
Higher wages and better job opportunities.
What important agricultural resource was scarce, causing poverty in rural Poland?
Farmland.
What type of employment did many immigrants initially struggle to secure?
Stable jobs.
What key community buildings did Polish immigrants establish across Canada?
Churches and cultural centers.
How many Polish immigrants were in Canada between 1941–1951?
219,845.
After WWII, which groups were welcomed into Canada seeking safety?
Refugees and war veterans.
What problem in rural areas made it hard for families to expand or survive?
Overcrowding.
Who sometimes took advantage of Polish workers by misleading or exploiting them?
Employers or recruiters.
What cultural elements did Polish Canadians bring that enriched Canadian society?
Festivals, music, food, and strong traditions.
What was the population of Polish Canadians between 1981–1986?
612,103.
Why did many families choose Canada for the sake of their children?
Better education and future opportunities.
During the communist era, what shortages made daily life difficult?
Food shortages and limited freedoms.
What negative reaction did some Polish refugees face after WWII?
Distrust and prejudice.
In addition to culture, what fields did Polish Canadians contribute to nationally?
Arts, literature, academic research, and multicultural identity.
How many Polish Canadians were counted between 2011–2016?
1,106,585.