The Influence The Development Of Eastern European Immigrants To The Canadian Prairie

Ever since the Canadian Prairies opened up it’s gates and sparked the Eastern European immigration boom, it lead to one of the most significant phase of the country’s growth. During the early 20th century, the Canadian Prairies welcomed itself to mass populating of Eastern European immigrants, and became home to millions of people searching for freedom, economic stability, or seeking protection from repressive governments (Boyd). These immigrants introduced distinct social beliefs and lifestyles, which everlastingly shaped the development of the prairie’s society, economy and culture, transforming their flatlands into a place full of diversity (Gagnon). As the rise in immigrants took place, it sparked the establishment of a booming agricultural
The arrival immigrants raised concerns in school teaching, as parents acknowledged the need for their children to learn, resulting in improvements in the realm of public education. These families have migrated to secure a better life, and without doubt realised that education would put them on an equal footing with other people (“Education”). So the immigrants decided to urge for better public education to the local government. It was till then did education and high schools come quickly to the towns of the Prairies. Improvements advocated included higher salaries for teachers and better learning materials (Gagnon). Overtime, more doctors, lawyers and professionals emerged, and people’s perception of high school changed as they realised that it was more of an expected finish to schooling instead of an optional prep for college. Consequently, curriculums changed significantly and courses such as business were developed to provide greater opportunities for people’s future (Lysenko). By mid 1900s, attendance in school increased greatly and with rising emphasis on learning, Canada’s countrysides saw improved literacy rates (Gagnon). Manitoba, for example, improved their public education greatly because of Ukrainian immigrants, thus Manitoba College increased in size and by 1938, was able to combine with other colleges to form today’s University of Winnipeg. These changes meant new laws were passed, including Ukrainian Teacher’s Association in Manitoba advocating for mandatory education, forever changing the schooling system. Gradually, more students were able to graduate and enter the workforce, thus contributing to financial security and better living standards of the nation. This development in education in the Prairies community was a direct factor to the success