Despite lessening, immigration to Canada is still expected to surpass 500,000 in 2024.
Canada has long been known as a global leader in welcoming immigrants, drawing people who are looking for new opportunities and a better quality of life.
While the country is still on track to meet its ambitious target of welcoming over 500,000 newcomers in 2024, recent data indicates a slight slowdown in immigration numbers.
A Temporary Dip in Numbers
In June 2024, Canada experienced a modest decline in the number of new immigrants compared to previous months. 44,540 new permanent residents were admitted to the country in June, a 4.9% decrease from May’s numbers.
A Year of Consistent Increase with a sudden decline
The year 2024 started off with a slow rise in immigration. 34,870 new permanent residents were admitted to Canada in March, which is a relatively small number. But there were notable upticks in April and May, with 42,595 and 46,835 entrants, respectively. These numbers increased hope that Canada might surpass its annual immigration goals, if not surpass them.
On the other hand, June saw a minor decline, with 44,540 new permanent residents entering the nation. Even while this drop is notable, it has little effect on the year’s overall upward trend. The steady stream of newcomers that has occurred in the first half of 2024 indicates that Canada is in a good position to meet its immigration targets.
Estimated Immigration Amounts until the end of 2024
By the end of 2024, Canada is expected to have welcomed about 511,410 new permanent residents if the current trend continues. Compared to the 471,815 new permanent residents reported in 2023—a year that had already set a record for Canadian immigration—this number indicates an 8.4% rise.
This prediction surpasses both the government target of 485,000 new permanent residents as stated in the 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan and the aim of 500,000 new permanent residents set for 2025 and 2026. This expansion demonstrates Canada’s continued dedication to immigration as a major force behind its social and economic advancement.
The estimates also show that under the Liberals’ 2024–26 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada will receive 5.4% more immigration than the Trudeau administration has stated it would, surpassing its goal of 485,000.
Ontario: The Top Destination for Newcomers
In Canada, Ontario is still the most sought-after location for recent immigrants. The province admitted 106,500 new permanent residents in the first half of 2024, accounting for 41.6% of all immigrants to the nation at that time. The province of Ontario is attractive due to its strong economy, varied employment prospects, and established immigration initiatives including the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway and the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
The province has welcomed a sizable influx of new permanent residents thanks in large part to these initiatives. 56,155 new permanent residents arrived in Ontario through various economic immigration schemes in just the first half of 2024. This represents roughly 52.7% of the province’s total new permanent inhabitants throughout this period. Additionally, Ontario welcomed 25,610 new permanent residents through family sponsorships and another 19,755 through Canada’s refugee and protected person programs.
Immigration Trends in Other Provinces
The largest destination is still Ontario, although there have been notable increases in immigration to other provinces as well. According to data from the first half of 2024, British Columbia and Alberta are still the most popular destinations for immigration, accounting for 34,535 and 34,375 new permanent residents, respectively. Both provinces are well-liked by immigrants because of their robust economies, varied employment options, and enticing living.
The difficulties in striking a balance between immigration and local labor market conditions are highlighted by the recent correlation between Alberta’s immigration wave and higher unemployment rates. The province’s economic growth has been facilitated by the skilled labor and entrepreneurial inflows brought in by the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has also been successful in attracting immigrants who are vital to the province’s expanding economy. The program’s focus on bringing in skilled workers and entrepreneurs has helped sustain British Columbia’s economic momentum.
Emerging Trends in Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Canada, particularly Newfoundland and Labrador, is quietly becoming an increasingly attractive destination for newcomers. In June 2024, Newfoundland and Labrador saw a 3.7% increase in new permanent residents, bringing the total for the first half of the year to 3,015. This growth is particularly notable for a province with a relatively small population and highlights the growing appeal of Atlantic Canada to immigrants seeking new opportunities. Quebec’s Steady Increase in Immigration
Quebec, Canada’s francophone province, also experienced a steady increase in immigration numbers. In the first half of 2024, the province welcomed 30,315 new permanent residents, including a 2.4% rise in June. Quebec’s unique cultural and linguistic identity, combined with its economic opportunities, continues to attract immigrants who wish to make the province their new home.
Canada’s Immigration Quotas Spark Concern Amid High Targets and Strained Infrastructure
The Department of Immigration recently commissioned Ipsos, a well-known polling agency, to conduct a national survey concerning Canada’s current immigration quotas. The survey revealed a significant concern among participants, many of whom believed that the proposed immigration targets for the upcoming three years were excessively high. Participants expressed doubts about how cities, already facing high volumes of immigrants and strained infrastructure, could manage the new influx.
Immigration has long been a polarising topic in Canada. Recently, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that the government would be retreating from its previous plan to grant residency status to undocumented immigrants in the country. Initially, in 2021, the Trudeau government had considered ways to “explore regularising status for undocumented workers who contribute to Canadian communities.” However, the government now acknowledges that this idea does not align with the majority of citizens’ views.
Miller expressed his understanding of the frustration this may cause for those living in Canada without legal status, including undocumented individuals contributing to the economy and families with Canadian-born children. He emphasized the importance of being transparent and realistic about what is achievable, despite the economic and humanitarian benefits a broad regularisation program might offer.
The Immigration Department estimates that there are currently between 300,000 and 600,000 undocumented immigrants residing in Canada.
What can be expected for the rest of 2024
In conclusion, as Canada navigates the remainder of 2024, its dedication to immigration remains a vital component of the country’s growth and success. Despite potential challenges and adjustments in policy, the nation’s steadfast approach to welcoming newcomers through various immigration pathways ensures that Canada continues to flourish in a rapidly globalizing environment.
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