Statistics Canada declared its estimate for the Canadian population’s growth rate for the upcoming 47 years. As per the official reports, it is predicted that by 2068, the Canadian population could reach up to 57 million individuals. This prediction is worked out considering the increasing immigration levels.
The Canadian population flourished heavily between 2016 and 2021. The population witnessed immense growth and almost twice the speed at which other G7 countries’ population was increasing.
Canadian population grew at an extremely slow pace throughout 2020, while after the pandemic declined, Canada welcomed increased immigrants compared to 1990.
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan
The Canadian Immigration Levels Plan targets over 450,000 new permanent residents by 2024. This figure is said to be the highest based on previous data.
Official reports claim that Canada is highly dependent on immigration. Most of the Canadian population will be reaching retirement age. The reports even claim that by 2030, approximately nine million Canadians will have retired.
Provinces to witness population growth
The increased immigration levels suggest higher population growth in a few provinces, even though the growth might be lower currently. Provinces Nova Scotia, B.C, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Quebec will benefit the most from a greater number of immigrants in the years to come. However, Newfoundland and Labrador will not see higher population growth, considering all cases.
The labor shortage in Canada
Statistics Canada has also reported about the acute labor shortage that currently exists in the country. Its reports claim a 4.9 percent of unemployment rate in the history of Canada. There are more than 1 million job vacancies that are yet to be filled. Therefore, few Canadians expect a better and improved Immigration Levels Plan to fight the existing labor shortage. The rest of the Canadians believe that there must be alterations made to the Immigration Levels Plan because of the lack of proper housing and infrastructure in the country.
The aging population
Earlier the median age of Canadians was 41 years but it is most likely to increase up to 45 years by 2068. Also, the current figure of 871,000 individuals aged 85 years is likely to triple to 3.2 million. Retired Canadians over 65 years old will contribute largely to the Canadian population, with 26 %. Statistics Canada also stated that increasing immigration levels plan will also not help reduce the aging population in the next fifty years.
The reports suggest a negative population rate between 2049 and 2058. The prediction is the result of the combination of an increased mortality rate with a medium growth rate. Over the next few years, the death rates in Canada would surpass the birth rates.
Canada makes efforts to recruit younger skilled people
Increasing the number of immigrants is undoubtedly challenging but what is more difficult is incorporating a younger group of skilled and talented people. Canada is observing a reduced birth rate among couples, with women bearing children at 1.4 % in 2020. Therefore, the natural population will gradually decline.
The Demographic report revealed that the number of younger people in the working age group was high among non-permanent residents, newcomers, and interprovincial immigrants.
In 2021, most of the new permanent residents belonged to an age group between 18 to 34 years.
The primary objective of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship is to bring in more younger immigrants and sustain them in Canada for a longer time. This is true if we consider the Comprehensive Ranking System as it offers maximum points to those between 20 and 29 years. The Canadian immigration system is particularly rewarding to younger international graduates possessing considerable Canadian experience.
