On December 23, 2021, the government announced that in 2021, Canada has already reached the target of 401,000 new permanent residents as part of the 2021–2023 Immigration Levels Plan, breaking the previous record from 1913.
Considering the pandemic’s many challenges, this historic achievement becomes particularly significant. Around 75% of Canada’s population growth and almost 100% of Canada’s labour force growth comes from immigration. In 2011, immigrants represented 20.7% of Canada’s population which is estimated to increase up to 30% by 2036.
Labor shortages in key sectors such as health care are addressed by immigration. 37% of pharmacists, 36% of physicians, 39% of dentists, 23% of registered nurses, and 35% of nurse aides and related occupations are also immigrants.
Most of the new permanent residents were already in Canada on temporary status. The government launched new programs aimed to engage essential workers, health care professionals, international graduates and French-speaking newcomers.
Also, reunification of families is another pillar of the government's system, and they have reunited spouses and children while helping more families sponsor their parents and grandparents. Despite many countries closing their doors to refugees, Canada continued to provide shelter to the world's most vulnerable.
Immigrants are essential to the country's economy, society, and aging population. New Canadians contribute to communities across the country each day, and the government will continue to welcome more of them.
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship said:
"Last year, we set an ambitious goal. Today, we achieved it. This is a historic moment for our country, as we welcome the highest number of newcomers in one year in our history. I want to thank all the employees in my department, especially our Operations Sector, who made this possible. Canada is built on immigration, and we will continue to welcome the immigrants that Canada needs to succeed. I can’t wait to see the incredible contributions that our 401,000 new neighbours make in communities across the country."