Canada’s population growth at highest level in more than 30 years

Edana Robitaille
Updated: Aug, 21, 2023
  • Published: July 3, 2022

As of April 1, 2022, Canada’s population was estimated to be nearly 39 million people. This is a population increase of nearly 128,000 people over three months from January 1.

This marks the highest rate of growth in the first quarter of a year since 1990 and is a continuation of the high population growth rates seen before the COVID-19 pandemic struck in early 2020.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Ontario and New Brunswick reach new milestones

This growth is most apparent in two Canadian provinces. Between January-March 2022 Ontario’s population surpassed 15 million people. Ontario is already Canada’s most populous province and home to Canada’s largest city.

The province of New Brunswick is also experiencing an unprecedented growth in population as data shows the population now exceeds 800,000. During 2021-2022 fiscal year, 6,581 immigrants arrived in the province, and over 10,000 people moved to New Brunswick from Ontario.

Nunavut, a territory in Canada’s north, also made record breaking gains by exceeding 40,000 people.

Other provinces continued to experience steady growth. Of note, Nova Scotia saw a 0.4% increase and Prince Edward Island 0.8%.

Growth is due to immigration

These population gains are widely credited to immigration. In the first quarter of 2022, Canada welcomed 113,700 new immigrants, the largest number in any first quarter since quarterly data became available in 1946.

These numbers mark an increase of 62% over the first quarter of 2021 and a 64% increase from the same period in 2020.

Immigration Levels Plan

Canada recognizes that it needs a robust immigration strategy to support the demands of the labour market. This is outlined in the 2022-2004 Immigration Levels Plan that shows Canada’s immigration targets for permanent residents in the coming years.

Canada exceeded its 2021 immigration target by welcoming over 405,000 new permanent residents. In the last three months of 2021 alone, over 138,000 people obtained permanent resident status, which was an all-time quarterly high.

In 2022, Canada is on track to meet its target of 431,645 new permanent residents and aims to welcome more than 451,000 a year by 2024.

More temporary work permit holders staying in Canada

The Immigration Levels Plan targets are only for permanent residents. Each year Canada also issues an unlimited number of work permits to several thousand temporary workers. In the first quarter of 2022, over 28,000 temporary workers arrived in Canada.

A labour market study released earlier this week suggests that many new permanent residents arrive in Canada on a temporary work permit and use the experience they gain to eventually obtain permanent residence. Over the past decade, the number of work permit holders in Canada jumped from 111,000 to 770,000.

Looking ahead

Canada needs to consistently increase immigration levels due to its aging population and low birth rate. It is expected that by 2030, nine million workers from the baby boomer generation will reach the retirement age of 65, leaving large gaps in the workforce that can’t be filled by natural born Canadians.

To reduce the impact of a labour shortage, Canada offers over 100 economic immigration pathways for skilled workers. The most popular programs are through the Express Entry system, the Provincial Nominee Program and Quebec Immigration Program. In the last three months of 2021 alone, 138,182 people became permanent residents of Canada, meaning immigration accounted for 92.5% of Canada’s population growth.

Express Entry is the leading federal pathway to permanent residence. Express Entry draws have been on hold in recent months however Canada’s immigration minister, Sean Fraser, has said that Express Entry draws are tentatively set to return to normal on July 6.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

© CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.

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 releases 2022 Annual Report on Express Entry
Children playing together in colourful natural park on autumn day
Most popular options to come to Canada from the United Arab Emirates
Multicultural business team putting their hands together in the middle of a circle while standing and smiling
Getting your prescription medication as a newcomer to Canada
pharmacist and client
I’m coming to Canada on a TRV. Can I bring my family with me?
A happy family of three relaxing in the lounge and being playful together
Top Stories
Canada’s non-permanent resident population is 2.2 million people
How long does it take for Canada to process visa applications from India?
Canada invites 500 French-speaking candidates in category-based Express Entry draw
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Express Entry
Canada invites 500 French-speaking candidates in category-based Express Entry draw
Waterfall near Victoria on Vancouver Island.
Canada releases 2022 Annual Report on Express Entry
Children playing together in colourful natural park on autumn day
What counts as eligible work experience for immigration through Express Entry?
Business people having a meeting in a tech company
Express Entry: Canada has first ever draw for transport occupations
IRCC has held its first ever Express Entry draw for transport occupations.
Link copied to clipboard