What term was used to describe the immigrants who received land under the homesteading policy?

The term "homesteaders" specifically refers to the immigrants who were granted land under the homesteading policy, which was a significant aspect of Canada's efforts to encourage settlement in the western regions. This policy allowed individuals, often immigrants seeking new opportunities, to claim parcels of land with the intention of developing and farming it. The notion of homesteading encompasses the idea of actively establishing a home and cultivating land, which aligns with the goals of these settlers who aimed to build a new life in Canada.

While "pioneers" and "settlers" may sometimes describe early inhabitants of new territories, they do not specifically imply the legal framework and entitlements associated with the homesteading policy. "Frontiersmen" typically refers to individuals who lived on the fringes of settled areas and were often involved in exploration or trade rather than the formal process of land acquisition through the government’s homesteading initiatives. Therefore, "homesteaders" is the most accurate term to represent those who benefitted directly from this policy, highlighting their legal right to claim and cultivate the land.