International migration accounted for 70% of Canadian population growth in last three months of 2017

Stephen Smith
Published: March 23, 2018

International migration continued to drive Canadian population growth in the final quarter of 2017, accounting for nearly 70 per cent of the increase seen during that three-month period, new Statistics Canada data reveal.

The federal agency said international migration, which includes immigration, return emigration and net non-permanent residents, “remained the main driver of population growth” between October 1, 2017, and January 1, 2018.

During that period, Canada’s population increased by 78,805 people, or 0.2 per cent. Of that number, nearly 70 per cent (55,048) was attributed to what Statistics Canada calls “international migratory increase.”

The agency described this level of increase as “uncommonly high” for a fourth quarter.

"Such strong growth has rarely been seen during a fourth quarter since the beginning of the period covered by the current demographic accounting system [in place since July 1971]," Statistics Canada said.

Immigration accounted for a gain of 65,539 people in the last three months of 2017, the second highest level in a fourth quarter since 1991.

Canada also gained 2,087 non-permanent residents in this time period, many of them refugee claimants.

Net emigration accounted for a loss of 12,578 people. This number is subtracted from the combined totals of immigration, return emigration and net non-permanent residents to obtain the international migratory increase.

International migration drives population increases in provinces, Yukon

International migratory increase was also the main driver of population growth in the Yukon Territory and nearly every Canadian province that posted a population increase in the fourth quarter of 2017.

“Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Yukon have rarely posted such strong international migration growth in the fourth quarter,” the study notes.

International migration also helped offset some of the interprovincial migration losses in Prince Edward Island and the negative natural increase (more deaths than births) in New Brunswick.

Non-permanent residents also played a role in increases noted in Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia. Quebec recorded an increase of 3,078 non-permanent residents during a period when it normally sees a decline.

To find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs, fill out a FREE assessment form.

© 2018 CICNews All Rights Reserved

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
Where do most South Asians live in Canada?
A South Asian family in their living room
Study: Fewer recent immigrants are seeking Canadian citizenship
Young family with children having fun in nature on a picnic
Why fewer French speakers in Canada may help your immigration chances
A woman stands in front of a whiteboard with French verbs written on them.
Three provinces issue provincial nominations this week
A cabin on a forzen lake at Yoho national park.
Top Stories
Alberta and Manitoba begin issuing Provincial Attestation Letters
Building A Resume for Job Hunting in Canada: Useful Tips to Build a Strong Resume
Where do most South Asians live in Canada?
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Canada
Building A Resume for Job Hunting in Canada: Useful Tips to Build a Strong Resume
As you navigate the exciting path of job hunting, one of the important tools you will need is a well-crafted resume.
Where do most South Asians live in Canada?
A South Asian family in their living room
How to file your taxes in Canada as a newcomer
A slew of rebate cheques in front of multiple Canadian dollar bills.
IRCC’s action plan to address the permanent residence application backlog
CIC News has obtained IRCC's timeline to address recommendations from a recent OAG report on the backlog of PR applications.
Link copied to clipboard