Canadian population growth rate is at its peak due to immigration. Statistics Canada recently revealed that the Canadian population reached an all-time high with a massive figure of 40,528,396. This number includes Canadian citizens and residents as of October 1, 2023.
Canadian population growth rate is at its peak due to immigration
This noticeable increase represents a rise of 430,635 individuals, around a 1.1 percent growth rate since July this year. In addition, this rise appears to be the highest in any quarter since 1957, and in its second quarter, the Canadian population grew by 1.2 percent. During those times, the Canadian population was around 16.7 million. The growth rate came into effect due to baby births after the war period and the incoming refugees after the Hungarian Revolution in 1956.
The initial nine months in 2023 have witnessed the highest population growth with 1,030,378 individuals. Not to forget the massive growth rate experienced in 2022.
International migration is the most significant factor in the Canadian population growth rate
96 percent of population growth occurred due to international migration in the third quarter of 2023. The remaining 4 percent of growth was significantly due to the natural outcome. This implies the distinction between the number of births and deaths.
In the forthcoming years, the natural population growth will most likely remain low due to Canada’s aging population. It might also be low due to reduced fertility rates and a massive number of new immigrants.
In 2023’s third quarter, there were 107,972 immigrants in Canada. Besides this, immigration reached a massive high at 79.8 percent between January and September 2023, reflecting around 371,299 individuals. However, IRCC had an annual target of 465,000 newcomers in 2023.
In the third quarter itself, Canada broke the record of welcoming 312,758 non-permanent residents. This was the highest-ever data in the history of Canada’s quarterly data concerning non-permanent residents since 1971.
This rise is evident primarily due to the rise in work and study permit holders. To some extent, it was a rise in refugee claimants.
Canadian provinces witnessing population growth
Most provinces and territories, excluding the Northwest Territories, witnessed significant population growth. Notably, 2023’s third quarter observed growth in population surpassing the national average percentage. In Alberta, it was 1.3 percent; in Prince Edward Island and Ontario, it was 1.2 percent each.
Alberta appeared to be the only province that observed the net gains regarding interprovincial migration. This is evident in the third quarter of 2023, with a rise of 17,094. Moreover, this quarter turned out to be encompassing net gains worth 10,000 for the fifth consecutive time. This indicates a trend that has not been visible since 1971.
A majority of the profits in Alberta have been due to the interprovincial exchanges between British Columbia and Ontario. Contrarily, British Columbia has had to combat its losses due to interprovincial migration since 2023. The challenges continued for five consecutive quarters.
On the other hand, Ontario also faced net losses in interprovincial migration since 2020’s initial quarter. However, in 2023, it met a minute net loss in the third quarter. The Atlantic provinces saw little or negative net interprovincial migration, as opposed to the boom seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was mostly because fewer people moved from Ontario to the Atlantic provinces.
The latest Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026
Canada displayed its latest immigration levels plan on November 1, 2023. This plan outlines the number of new PRs who must be allowed to enter Canada in the upcoming three years. Immigration will typically happen under three immigration classes: economy, family, and humanitarian.
In 2024, Canada will look forward to bringing in 485,000 newcomers. This country will wholeheartedly bring forth 500,000 newcomers each year, that is, 2025 and 2026. In addition, Canada will be ready to welcome 281,135 new economic-class immigrants. By 2024, it represents 58 percent of the yearly target. By 2026, this number will significantly increase to 301,250 new immigrants, representing 60 percent of the annual target.
Specifically, the admission targets for Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program are ready to surge. The Express Entry admission target stands firm at 110,700 PR admissions in 2024. Gradually, this figure will rise to 117,500 in 2025 and 2026 annually. In 2024, the PNP admission target will be welcoming 110,000 newcomers. In 2025, the new immigrant admission target will rise to 120,000 new immigrants. In 2026, it will further increase to 120,000.
Do you have any general queries or concerns regarding Canadian immigration? Let our expert guides at Make Home Canada help you get all the answers. We are just a call away; stay connected at 1-800-979-0509 or simply email your concerns to [email protected].
