Immigration Strengthens Our Economy:

Thanks to immigration, Canada’s labour force continues to grow.  This is critically important.  Canadians are living longer and are having fewer children.  In 1980, there were roughly 6 workers for every retiree.  In 2015, there were 4 workers for every retiree.  By 2030, when 5 million Canadians are set to retire, the ratio will be down to only 3 workers for every retiree. Many newcomers are younger and this helps offset losses from an aging Canadian-born population. 

In addition, when newcomers come to Canada, they stimulate the economy by spending money on goods, housing and transportation.  In this way, they contribute billions of dollars to the gross domestic profit (GDP).

Immigration Brings In Skilled Workers:

Immigration Canada prioritizes highly skilled workers and university educated newcomers focusing on professional, scientific and technical services.

Our medical profession depends on newcomers to Canada.  One in four health care workers have made Canada their new home.  Many newcomers to Canada are working  in the important areas of nursing and residential care facilities, as well as home health-care services. 

The top 5 occupations of people invited to immigrate under Canada’s Express Entry program include:  software engineers and designers; information systems analysts; computer programmers; financial auditors and accountants, and advertising, marketing and public relations professionals.

In every area of our economy, newcomers are filling positions across the country.  Many work as construction workers, in restaurant and food service and production positions, retail sales and agriculture. 

How are Immigrants Selected?

Immigration Canada selects immigrants for their economic contribution, for their humanitarian needs and to reunite families.

Targets are set each year by Immigration Canada that determines the number of immigrants allowed into the country for each immigration category.  In 2022, 431,645 immigrants are anticipated to ensure that Canada has the workers it needs to fill critical labour market positions and support a strong economy.  By 2024, 451,000 immigrants are expected.  This works out to be about 1% of Canada’s population.

All potential immigrants are carefully screened before coming to Canada.  They must provide a police certificate or criminal record check and must provide their photo and fingerprints.  Screening ensures that potential immigrants have not committed a serious crime; do not pose a risk to Canada’s security; have not violated human or international rights; are in good health, and have a valid passport or travel document from country of origin.

Canada is a desirable country for many seeking to settle in a peaceful land with numerous opportunities for career and family advancement. 

Joy Dirks, Sept. 2022