Wilfrid Laurier, Canada's first francophone prime minister, envisioned a future where Canada surpassed the United States in power and population. In 1904, he boldly predicted that the twentieth century would belong to Canada. At the time, Canada faced significant challenges, with a small population compared to the U.S. Laurier implemented an aggressive immigration policy that brought 1.5 million newcomers, primarily from Europe, to boost the population, despite the exclusion of non-white immigrants. Though controversial, Laurier's vision was driven by the urgent need for growth and development in the nation.
"Let me tell you, my fellow countrymen, all the signs point this way, that the twentieth century shall be the century of Canada," Laurier proclaimed in a speech to rally Canadians.
Laurier's ambitious immigration policy aimed to boost Canada's population from 6 million to 40 million by the mid-twentieth century, emphasizing progress and freedom.
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