Immigration drives last year’s record population growth in Canada
Statistics Canada has recently released data showing that the country’s population reached a record high of 39,566,248, on January 1, 2023. The record marks an increase of 1,050,110 people from the previous year. Moreover, it represents the highest annual population growth rate (+2.7%) since 1957. The data also revealed that Canada’s record-high population growth was driven mainly by international migration. This accounted for nearly all growth recorded (95.9%) in 2022.
Canada’s record-high population growth of over 1 million people in 2022 is unprecedented in the country’s history.
The data from Statistics Canada also reveals that the majority of immigrants to Canada are settling in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. These three provinces account for over 70% of all immigration to Canada in the past year.
The reason behind Canada’s record-high population growth
One of the main factors contributing to this significant population growth is immigration. In 2022, Canada received 437,180 immigrants and had an estimated net increase of 607,782 non-permanent residents, which are the highest numbers ever recorded for both. These figures are a result of the government’s higher immigration targets and a “record-breaking year for the processing of immigration applications,” said the report.
Further, in 2022, all provinces and territories in Canada saw an increase in the net estimated number of non-permanent residents. This increase was due to various factors, including:
- work and study permits,
- the number of asylum claimants, which rose across the country,
- the intent to use international migration to fulfill employment needs, and
- the program welcoming people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The report also shows the impact of this population growth, highlighting the challenges and opportunities it presents for Canadian society. On the one hand, Canada’s growing population has contributed to economic growth and cultural diversity. On the other hand, it has put pressure on some regions of the country, infrastructure and resources, including housing, transportation and healthcare.
As Canada continues to grow and diversify, it will be essential to find innovative solutions to address the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by this ongoing demographic shift.
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