Far from Declining, Population Expected to Double... Canada, the 'Country of Immigrants'

Population Increased by 1 Million in One Year
96% of the Increase Are Immigrants
"At This Rate, Population Will Double in 26 Years"

As immigrants flood into Canada, the population increased by more than 1 million in just one year, major foreign media reported on the 22nd (local time).

Statistics Canada announced on the same day that the population as of January 1 this year rose by 1.05 million compared to the same period last year, reaching 39.57 million.

This is the first time that Canada's population has increased by more than 1 million in one year.

In terms of growth rate, it is 2.7%, the steepest among the Group of Seven (G7) countries.

Statistics Canada explained that if this growth rate is maintained, the population is expected to double within the next 26 years.

96% of the Increased Population Are Immigrants... Active Immigration Policy

[Image source=Pixabay]

96% of the increased population was counted as immigrants. Last year, the number of immigrants granted permanent residency increased by 437,180, and temporary immigrants increased by 607,782.

Since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took office in 2015, Canada has pursued an active immigration policy.

The government seeks to address labor shortages, including highly skilled workers, and aging population issues through expanded immigration.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, immigrants account for virtually 100% of the labor force increase, and by 2036, they are expected to make up 30% of the total Canadian population.

The government plans to expand the number of immigrants accepted (permanent residency granted) to 465,000 this year and up to 500,000 by 2025.

More Immigrants Cause Conflict? ... Majority of Canadians Say "We Should Accept More"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Although the number of immigrants is rapidly increasing, Canadian society still maintains an open attitude.

According to a survey on Canadians' attitudes toward immigrants released last year by the Canadian Environmental Management Institute, 69% of respondents answered "No" to the question "Do you think the proportion of immigrants in Canada is too high?" This contrasts with the first survey in 1977, where 61% answered "There are too many immigrants."

Also, to the question "Should Canada accept more immigrants to increase the population?" a majority of 58% of respondents answered "Yes." This appears to be based on high trust in the Canadian government's immigration policy.

Among the 431,645 immigrants who obtained Canadian permanent residency in 2021, 60% were recognized for their economic capabilities, such as having a high level of education, the ability and willingness to start businesses in Canada, and promising significant investments in Canadian companies.