Canada at the top of countries in population growth

Statistics Canada has released another report in which it counted the number of non-permanent residents (NPR). These are citizens of other countries living in Canada. They all fall into three broad groups: those with work permits, those who entered for study and refugees. All together, the sociological service counted 2,198,679 people — almost 2.2 million!

Why it's important.

This year the statistical service has improved the method of calculation. It turned out that previously the number of temporary residents in Canada was greatly underestimated by sociologists. As a result, compared to 2021, the number of non-permanent residents increased by a million — or 46%. However, it's not just a matter of counting errors. The frequency of work and study permits has also increased over the year.

A sober assessment of the number of temporary residents will have implications for Canadian public policy. It will help improve planning for immigration, the economy, the labor market and housing.

How many Canadians are there in total?

Combined, the latest count shows that there are 40.1 million people living in Canada (40,097,761 to be exact). That's more than a million more than there were as of July 1, 2022 or 2.9% more. The 40 million figure was reached in June 2023.

This means that Canada continues to lead the G7 countries in population growth, and is among the 20 countries with the highest population growth in the world. Sociologists estimate that if the trend continues, the number of Canadians will double in 25 years.

What is the role of migrants?

Separately, the report notes that for the year from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2023, 98% of the population growth is due to immigration policy. Only 2% is left for the increase in the difference between births and deaths.

Over the year, 470,000 people received permanent residence permits and another 700,000 came as temporary residents. There are also 64% more foreigners with work permits in Canada: 1.4 million people against 870 000 in July 2022. And a significant share of them are Ukrainians who came to Canada because of the Russian invasion.

But the birth rate has fallen again. There are 1.33 children per Canadian woman. A year ago, the rate was slightly higher: 1.44 — a difference of 20,000 children.

Which province is the champion of population growth?

Alberta showed the fastest demographic growth — due to international and internal migration. In one year, its population grew by 4%. That means 56,000 more people came to the province during that time than left. This has benefited the region's economy: previously we wrote that there was too much money in Alberta's pension fund.

Prince Edward Island (3.9%), Nova Scotia (3.2%) and New Brunswick (3.1%) follow close behind. Ontario and British Columbia are up 3% each, Manitoba is up 2.9% and Saskatchewan is up 2.6%.

Quebec set its own record — 2.3%. And the province of Newfoundland and Labrador grew the least — only 1.3%.

What's next?

It is unlikely that Canada will decide to slow down. Under the current Immigration Plan, the country expects to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents each year through 2025. And Immigration Minister Mark Miller recently mentioned extending the plan.

We'll know for sure very soon. By law, the immigration plan must be updated by November 1.