Canada met its goal of welcoming 431,645 new permanent residents, setting a new immigration record.
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The new mark unveiled by the government on Tuesday eclipses the previous record of just over 401,000 new permanent residents who were accepted in 2021.
We have to go back to the colonization of Western Canada in the years preceding the First World War to find such an effervescence in terms of immigration with the influx of up to 400,900 immigrants in 1913. Arrivals had then collapsed in 1914 with the world conflict and had never regained their former level before 2021.
"Newcomers play an important role in addressing labor shortages, bringing new perspectives and talent to our communities, and enriching our society as a whole," said Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. I can't wait to see what the future holds and look forward to another banner year as we continue to welcome newcomers.”
More than half of new permanent residents in 2022, or just over 241,000 people, are considered economic migrants. Otherwise, 105,000 people have been accepted through the family reunification programme, while just over 76,500 people accepted are refugees.
In addition, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processed approximately 5.2 million applications for permanent residence, temporary residence and citizenship, almost double the applications reviewed in 2021.
Immigration accounts for nearly 100% of labor force growth in Canada. About 75% of Canada's population growth is attributable to immigration, primarily through the economic class.
Remember that the Trudeau government intends to continue setting records by welcoming 447,055 permanent residents in 2023 and 451,000 in 2024.
By 2036, immigrants are expected to represent up to 30% of the Canadian population. In the 2021 census, almost 25% of the population said they had an immigrant background or had permanent resident status. This is “the highest proportion since Confederation and the highest among the G7 countries”, recalled Ottawa.
