Canada鈥檚 population reaches 40 million people thanks to immigration
Canada鈥檚 population has surpassed 40 million people.
Statistics Canada has a 鈥溾, which estimates Canada鈥檚 population in real time based on a number of factors like recent trends for births, deaths, and migration data. The clock hit 40 million today just before 3 pm on Friday June 16.
鈥淭his is an exciting milestone for Canada. It is a strong signal that Canada remains a dynamic and welcoming country, full of potential鈥 said chief statistician Anil Arora in a media statement.
Canada鈥檚 population growth rate currently stands at 2.7 per cent, which is the highest annual growth rate since 1957, when Canada was experiencing its post-war baby boom.
Canada鈥檚 population reached 30 million in 1997 and could reach 50 million as early as 2043 if the current trends continue, according to Statistics Canada.
Last year, Canada鈥檚 population increased by a record of 1.05 million people. Statistics Canada reported that 96 per cent of that increase was due to international (permanent and temporary) migration.
In 2022, Canada welcomed 437,180 immigrants into the country, reflecting Canada鈥檚 high immigration targets.
Immigration Levels Plan
Immigration is one of the main way the country deals with its demographic challenges. Canada has an aging population, and the natural birth rate is not high enough to grow the population itself. As a result, Canada needs immigrants to help maintain and grow the country鈥檚 workforce.
Immigration accounts for almost 100% of Canada鈥檚 labor force growth. According to , by 2023, immigrants are projected to be about 30% of Canada鈥檚 population.
Under Canada鈥檚 , Canada plans to welcome over 460,000 new immigrants each year. Canada鈥檚 immigration goals are to strengthen the economy, reunite families and help refugees.
In 2023, Canada鈥檚 newcomer target is 465,000 new permanent residents. This goal will increase to 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2024.
is the biggest category under this plan, followed by , demonstrating Canada鈥檚 commitment to reuniting families. The final category is the humanitarian and refugee category, which is to remain above 70,000 annually over the next three years.
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