Immigration counteracts effects of anticipated COVID-19 baby slump in Canada

Shelby Thevenot
Published: August 8, 2020

Canada will have to continue supporting immigration if coronavirus is going to lower already-declining fertility rates.

Coronavirus is expected to affect fertility differently depending on regional income levels, according to an editorial in Science magazine. High-income countries, such as Canada, are expected to see fewer newborns as a result of the pandemic, thus an older population, and a smaller population size.

The Brookings Institution, a think-tank out of Washington, D.C., suggests that the U.S. could see anywhere from 300,000 to 500,000 fewer babies born as a result of the pandemic. Canada is not expected to see the same kind of hit, CBC reports, but any dip in population growth will have impacts on the labour market.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

Before the pandemic, Canada was already seeing a decline in new births and an aging population. Canada’s 9 million baby boomers are expected to reach retirement age in just 10 years. The Conference Board of Canada says immigrants will account for 100 per cent of the national population growth by 2034. In the early months of 2020, immigration already accounted for 82 per cent of Canada’s population growth.

Without immigrants available to support the needs of an aging population, the care and financial responsibilities will be passed on to Canadians.

When young people have to provide enough income tax to support elderly Canadians, they end up paying more per person to provide the same benefits, economist Elisabeth Gugl told CBC.

Gugl said immigration is the only alternative to supporting the aging population, noting that immigration has declined in recent months.

Though Canada has issued a record number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through the Express Entry system this year, global measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 have hindered travel to Canada. Permanent resident visas fell 26 per cent in March, after Canada shut its borders for the latter half of the month onwards. In April, Canada only welcomed 4,000 immigrants. Numbers started to pick up in May when 11,000 new immigrants came to Canada. June data is expected to be available soon.

The federal and provincial governments will need to keep immigration as a priority in order to ensure long-term economic recovery. The Science article suggested that dips in fertility rates have followed previous periods of high mortality for about a year. Fertility tends to increase one to five years after the event. However, the study noted the unique nature of the coronavirus makes it difficult to compare with historical data.

The effects of coronavirus on fertility in Canada are expected to be seen in July and August 2021, the months when most babies are typically born in Canada.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

© 2020 CIC News 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
IRCC issues 2,500 ITAs in category-based Express Entry draw for French language proficiency
A view of the Toronto skyline at sunrise.
Economists recommend inviting more skilled newcomers to Canada
Desjardins economists say targeting more skilled newcomers will help with Canada's housing shortage
Newcomers who came to Canada in second year of COVID-19 pandemic had better median entry wages than pre-pandemic: Statistics Canada
Young happy executive manager holding business meeting with her coworkers in the office and looking at camera
Fredericton Capital Region
New Brunswick’s jewel in the crown
The city of Fredericton that sits in the heart of the region
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