According to a new demographic report released by Statistics Canada on March 22, 2023, Canada experienced a “record-high population growth” in 2022 with an increase of over 1 million people. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, with the population of Canada growing from 38,516,138 in the first quarter of 2022 to 39,566,248 in the first quarter of 2023. Ontario remains the most populous province in the country, with a population of 15,386,407 residents.
Canada’s population growth in 2022 is a remarkable achievement, with “the country now leading the G7 nations”. This feat has largely been attributed to the significant contribution of immigration. Macrotrends reports that in 2022, Canada’s fertility rate was 1.492, which falls below the population replacement level of 2.1 children per woman in the absence of migration. International migration has played a crucial role in driving population growth, accounting for “95.9% of the country’s overall increase”.
In 2022, Canada welcomed 437,180 immigrants, which represents the highest level of immigration in Canada on record. The country also saw a net increase of the number of non-permanent residents estimated at 607,782. Both of these numbers are a reflection of Canada’s commitment to welcoming immigrants and refugees from all over the world. This is in line with the government’s plan to “welcome 500,000 immigrants per year by 2025”, as announced by Immigration Minister Sean Fraser in 2022.
The increase in immigration is due to a combination of factors, including the program created to welcome people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As of January 29th, 2023, more than 150,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Canada since the Russian invasion of their country last year. The government’s quick response to the crisis and its commitment to welcoming refugees has been praised by many Canadians.
However, not everyone is supportive of the government’s immigration policies. Some residents worry that the influx of immigrants will pose challenges in areas of housing, infrastructure, transportation, and services. Moderate anti-immigrant sentiments exist in Canada, with a poll conducted by Canadian firm Abacus Data in September 2022 indicating that 34% of Canadians agreed that “immigration should be reduced”. In 2021, nearly 40% of Canadians surveyed by Statista said “the government should prioritize limiting immigration levels”.
Despite this, most Canadians are supportive of immigration, recognizing the positive impact it has on the country’s economy, diversity, and overall growth. Canada has long been known for its welcoming attitude towards immigrants and refugees, with a strong commitment to multiculturalism and diversity. This has helped to make Canada one of the most inclusive and prosperous countries in the world.
The increase in population growth will have implications for Canada’s economy, social programs, and infrastructure in the years to come. It is important for the government and its citizens to work together to ensure that the country continues to thrive and provide opportunities for all of its residents, both new and old. With its commitment to immigration, Canada is poised to continue to lead the way in population growth and multiculturalism, demonstrating to the world that diversity is a strength.
Edited By: Ritaja Kar
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