What was Clifford Sifton's primary goal for immigration to Canada?

Clifford Sifton, who served as Canada's Minister of the Interior from 1896 to 1905, had a primary goal to actively recruit immigrants to Canada. His strategy was rooted in the belief that to develop and settle the vast unoccupied lands of the Canadian West, a steady influx of new settlers was crucial. Sifton advocated for the immigration of primarily farmers and laborers who could contribute to agricultural and economic development.

During his time in office, he implemented policies and promotional campaigns designed to attract settlers from various countries, most notably from Europe, the United States, and parts of Eastern Europe. His efforts were instrumental in shaping Canada’s immigration policies and significantly influenced the demographic composition of the Canadian West. This focus on recruitment was aimed at not only boosting the population but also ensuring that immigrants were suited for the agrarian society that Canada sought to foster.

The other options do not align with Sifton's objectives; he was not focused on decreasing the population or limiting immigration from Europe. Instead, his policies were geared towards welcoming and encouraging newcomers to strengthen the growing Canadian nation.