Canada’s population has grown steadily over the years, driven primarily by immigration, which continues to play a key role in shaping the country’s demographic landscape. As of July 1, 2024, Canada’s population reached an estimated 41.29 million, growing by 250,229 people in just three months. Though the growth rate has slowed compared to previous years, it remains significantly higher than historical averages. Let’s explore what this population increase means for Canada and how immigration continues to be a critical factor in the country’s growth story.
Immigration: The Main Driver of Canada’s Population Growth
In the second quarter of 2024, 96% of Canada’s population growth came from international migration. Out of the 250,229 new residents added, 134,138 were new immigrants—a record number since the first quarter of 2023. The influx of non-permanent residents, including international students and temporary workers, also contributed significantly to this growth.
Despite a slight decline in the number of study permit holders, non-permanent residents continued to increase, reaching over 3 million by mid-2024. This surge in immigration shows that Canada remains an attractive destination for individuals seeking better opportunities, education, and quality of life.
Which Provinces Are Growing the Fastest?
When we break down the population growth by province, Alberta emerged as the fastest-growing region, with a 1.0% increase in just three months. Alberta’s appeal lies in its booming job market and affordable cost of living, drawing both international migrants and Canadians from other provinces.
The Northwest Territories, on the other hand, experienced the slowest growth, at just 0.1%. While natural births and immigration slightly offset population loss due to interprovincial migration, it highlights how uneven population growth can be across Canada’s diverse regions.
The Aging Population: What Role Does Immigration Play?
Canada, like many developed nations, faces the challenge of an aging population. The median age in the country has been slightly decreasing, standing at 40.3 years as of July 1, 2024. This is largely due to immigration, which brings in younger individuals who help balance the natural aging process of the population. However, this is only a temporary effect. Long-term, the aging trend will persist as fertility rates remain low. In 2023, Canada’s fertility rate was at an all-time low of 1.26 children per woman.
Immigration has become crucial for Canada’s workforce as well. The largest increases in population have been among working-age individuals (15-64 years), further supporting the economy. Millennials, in particular, have seen a significant boost from international migration, with more than 1.1 million people joining this generation since 2021. This is vital as older generations retire, leaving gaps in the workforce that new immigrants help fill.
Why Is Canada So Dependent on Immigration?
Canada’s heavy reliance on immigration to sustain its population growth can be attributed to declining birth rates and increasing life expectancy. With fewer babies being born, the natural population increase (births minus deaths) has become less significant. In 2024, only 4% of the population increase came from natural growth, a clear indicator that without immigration, Canada’s population would stagnate or even decline.
Furthermore, immigration supports the economy by bringing in skilled workers, boosting various industries, and filling critical labor shortages. Many immigrants also contribute to the housing market, education sector, and other services that are essential for a thriving economy.
What Does the Future Hold?
With population projections indicating that Canada’s growth will continue to rely on immigration for the foreseeable future, it is clear that the country will remain a top destination for people from around the world. The aging population and low fertility rates mean that immigrants will play an even more crucial role in sustaining economic growth, innovation, and diversity in the years to come.
However, managing such high levels of immigration also presents challenges, such as ensuring adequate housing, healthcare, and social services for new arrivals. The government will need to carefully balance immigration policies to maintain Canada’s appeal as a welcoming country while ensuring that the growing population can thrive.
Immigration Fuels Canada’s Future
Canada’s population growth in 2024 paints a clear picture: immigration is not just an option, it’s a necessity for the country’s future. With 96% of population growth driven by international migration, Canada continues to benefit from its reputation as a land of opportunity. As the population grows and ages, immigrants will remain vital in keeping Canada’s workforce robust and its economy dynamic.
While the growth rate has slowed compared to previous years, immigration remains the cornerstone of Canada’s demographic and economic strategy. This trend is likely to continue for years to come, making immigration a critical component in shaping the country’s future.
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