Would anyone be able to tell me if it's permissable to emmigrate to Canada with a view to living self sufficiently?
My partner and I would be able to buy a decent sized property (without a mortgage) and be able to invest the remainder of our capitol with a bank. We're interested in purchasing a rural home with the intention of keeping a few animals and growing our own etc. So, we wouldn't actually be looking for paid employment, although my partner is a first class all round DIY'er.
Our problem is being unsure if this would meet the required criteria for being allowed to live in Canada?
Would really appreciate some help with this, thank you.

You can do whatever you want in Canada after you land here with PR visa and become a PR - you may get a job, be self-employed, run business, do nothing...

But in order to qualify for PR visa you must meet all selection criteria in one of the immigration classes:

1. Skilled Workers class - start here

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigra...lled/index.asp

and then go here:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigra.../apply-who.asp

If you meet requirements from the first page above and then score at least 67 points in self assessment test then you may have a slim chance.

2. Business class:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigra...ness/index.asp

3. PNP class (Provincial Nominees):

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigra...cial/index.asp

If you can't qualify in any of the above and if you (or your partner) don't have a child in Canada who is a Canadian PR or citizen and is eligible to sponsor you then sorry, but you are out of luck.

Everybody would love to claim - "I'll be self-sufficient" - and be eligible to immigrate to Canada this way. It just doesn't work this way, sorry.

You must qualify.