Reaching a critical mass, whether it be in the region or in small towns, is a key factor. For example, we realized that the community had been changed substantially when 200 Congolese families from Montreal were settled in Edmonton. Now that these families have settled, they have their own organizations, their religious ceremonies, their groups. They are using the institution I run as a community centre, and that attracts other people.
I will give you the example of my wife, who immigrated from India. Upon arriving here, her family settled in Spirit River, which is located way up in northern Alberta. They were the only Indian family in northern Alberta. The members of her family travelled every weekend, for four or five hours, in order to be with other Indian nationals. They then moved to Edmonton because there was an Indian community there.
In my opinion, everything depends on whether or not there is a critical mass in these locations. I think that you will see, during the next census, that the immigration rate in Edmonton, particularly immigration from sub-Saharan Africa, has increased considerably. This phenomenon is basically, the result of families we received in from Quebec.