Finnish Canadians are
Canadian citizens of
Finnish ancestry or
Finns who emigrated to and reside in
Canada. According to the 2001 census number over 131,040 Canadians claim Finnish ancestry.
Finns started coming to Canada in the early 1880s, and in much larger numbers in the early 20th century and well into the mid-20th century. Finnish
immigration to Canada was often a direct result of
economic depressions and wars, or in the aftermath of major conflicts like the
Finnish Civil War. Canada was often chosen as a final destination because of the similarity in
climate and natural conditions, while
employment in
logging or homesteading attracted landless farmers in the early 20th century. Migratory movements of Finns between Canada and the United States was very common as well.