 The growth was attributed to immigration from such countries as Germany, Russia, and the Philippines.Steinbach gained national recognition from such newspapers as "The Globe and Mail," which described the city as an immigration "hotbed" of Canada and a model for immigrant integration.During March 2013 the city gained national attention when several community members, such as the Southland Community Church and Steinbach Christian High School expressed opposition to provincial Bill 18, an anti-bullying bill that would require the accommodation of Gay-straight alliance groups in schools, including faith-based private schools.