According to Statistics Canada, the population of Canada increased by more than one million people for the first time in history during 2022, with the sole reason being the rise in the number of immigrants and temporary residents. The agency stated that the total population grew at a record rate of 1.05 million people, reaching 39.57 million in the 12 months leading up to January 1, 2023, adding that around 96 percent of this increase is due to international immigration.
The increase has helped Canada maintain its position as the fastest-growing country in the G7, which means that the population growth rate stands at 2.7 percent—the highest in nearly 26 years. Canada relies on immigration to drive its economy and rejuvenate its aging population, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government significantly increasing immigration levels since taking office in 2015.
Canada has been experiencing an upward trend in overall employment since September, with the agency previously noting that non-permanent residents are significant contributors to these gains. Data from the Canadian immigration ministry indicated that immigration accounts for nearly 100% of workforce growth in Canada, and it is projected that immigrants will comprise 30% of Canada's population by 2036, up from 20.7 percent in 2011. Under a three-year plan announced in November, the Trudeau government aims to continue raising the annual immigration target, intending to grant permanent residency to about 465,000 people in 2023, increasing this goal to 500,000 by 2025.
