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
Canada invites PNP candidates in first Express Entry draw after CRS points change
White flowers bloom in front of the CN Tower on a spring day as the Canadian flag blows in the background.
How to get Canadian permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Program
Snowy mountains in the Yukon, with a wall of trees and pink flowers in the forefront.
Alberta increases application fees for worker immigration streams
A photo of the Calgary skyline on a bright summer day.
Agri-Food Pilot pathway to permanent residence closes
A man feeds cattle on a farm.
Top Stories
British Columbia sends out invitations under new PNP draw
What do to if you lose your PR card while outside Canada
Canada tops 2025 survey as most desired study abroad destination
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Study
Canada tops 2025 survey as most desired study abroad destination
A male student sitting at a wooden table in a library, taking notes while reading a texbook.
Canadian universities achieve top worldwide rankings for several subjects
Historical university of Toronto building
Canada removes PGWP field of study requirements for graduates of college bachelor’s programs
Canada unveils new study permit exemption for construction trade apprentices
A construction worker in a yellow hard hat working on a finishing a roof. He is wielding a hammer.
Link copied to clipboard