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Buddhism in Canada

History
Buddhism may have first arrived in Canada during the mid-19th century when the Chinese immigrated there from California and Hong Kong. By 1984, Buddhism had become the fastest-growing religion in Canada due to a new wave of immigrants.

Population
According to available census data, it is estimated that there are approximately 300,345 Buddhists living in Canada. In the book Complete Guide to Buddhist America by Don Morreale, there are more than 1000 Buddhist centers listed for the United States and Canada. Moreover, were the non-meditative traditions present in Canada also included, that number would be higher. However, according to Charles S. Prebish, estimates about the number of Buddhists in Canada remain speculations. Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal each have major Buddhist centers in their cities. Additionally, there is Gampo Abbey on the northwestern coast of Cape Breton, a monastery in the Tibetan style operated by Pema Chödrön, and also Dorje Denma Ling on 300 acres in Nova Scotia. In the Canadian province of British Columbia there are several centers, including Amazenji-Zen Training Temple for Women, the Birken Buddhist Society, Siddhartha's Intent International, and various Pure Land Buddhist temples established there after World War II. Other prominent Buddhist practice centers include Dakshong Gonpa in Manitoba, Arrow River and Dharma Centre of Canada in Ontario, and the Maple Buddhist Society in Quebec.