Originally named and still colloquially referred to as the " '' ' Maple Leaf card ' '' " , the PR card was first proposed in 2001 as part of the Canadian government 's overhaul of immigration and security laws following the September 11 attacks in the United States . After the 2001 passage of the new Immigration and Refugee Protection Act , the first PR cards were distributed on 28 June 2002
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Canada permanent resident card