Who is considered the first group of refugees to come to Canada?

The first group of refugees to come to Canada is identified as the Loyalists. Following the American Revolutionary War in the late 18th century, many Loyalists—colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown—fled from the newly formed United States to Canada. They sought refuge from persecution for their loyalty and were instrumental in shaping the early Canadian colonies. Their arrival significantly influenced the demographic and political landscape of Canada, particularly in the regions of Ontario and New Brunswick.

While Acadians also sought refuge after the displacement resulting from the Great Upheaval during the French and Indian War, they are not categorized as refugees in the same systematic way as the Loyalists, who were fleeing due to their allegiance to the British Crown. The Irish Famine Refugees arrived in greater numbers in the 19th century, facing a different type of crisis related to famine, and Ukrainian Settlers more commonly immigrated to Canada throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries for various reasons, including escaping conflict and seeking land. Thus, the designation of the Loyalists as the first group of refugees is based on their particular historical context and circumstances surrounding their migration to Canada.