In 2022, Canada saw a record-breaking increase in immigration
Canada admitted a record number d’immigrants in 2022, as it seeks to meet ongoing labour shortages.
The federal government has settled 431,645 additional permanent residents in 2022. This is higher than the previous record of 405,000 set in 2021.
“Newcomers play a vital role in filling labour shortages and bringing new perspectives to our communities and enriching society as a whole,” said Sean Fraser, the Immigration Minister.
“I am excited to see the future and look forward for another historic year 2023, as we continue to accept newcomers.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government have created a plan for immigration that will fill the labour shortages in key areas, such as healthcare, skilled trades and manufacturing. Ottawa announced its new immigration targets in November. It plans to accept 465,000 permanent residents by 2023, 485,000 by 2024, and 500,000 by 2025.
According to the government, almost 100 per cent of Canada’s labour force growth is due to immigration. Over half of Canada’s permanent residents are classified under the economic category. This is based on the ability to provide employment for labour market needs and create economic opportunities by investing, owning, operating, or managing a business.
Statistics Canada said that immigration is more critical than ever to the labor market in its November report on the country’s immigration levels.
“Recent immigrants are a pool of workers that can help reduce the effects of labor shortages in many sectors and regions of the country. Their age structure is older than the general population.”
The country’s population growth is also driven by immigration. Approximately 75 percent of that growth comes from immigration, mainly in the economic category.
Statistics Canada reported that Canada’s population grew 776,217 during the first nine month of 2022. This was more than any year since Confederation in 1867. The high rate of growth is largely due to international immigration, which drove Canada’s population above 39 million for the very first time. According to the government, 100 percent of Canada’s population growth will be attributed to immigration by 2032.
Alicja Siekierska works as a senior reporter for Yahoo Finance Canada. Follow her Twitter @alicjawithaj.