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

113,700 new immigrants arrived in Canada in the first quarter of 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.

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.

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.

source : cicnews