Canada’s population increased by about 1.05 million last year as more immigrants immigrated to Canada.

CNN reported on the 22nd (local time), based on data from Statistics Canada, that this is the first time in Canadian history that the population has increased by more than 1 million in one year. The number of immigrants who arrived in Canada last year reached an all-time high of 437,180. The number of non-permanent residents was 607,782.

According to the report, as of January 1 this year, Canada’s population was 39,566,248, an increase of 2.7% from a year ago, of which immigration accounted for 95.9%.

While other developed countries are struggling with slowing population growth, Canada has the fastest growing population among the G7 countries and ranks in the top 20 globally with a growth rate of 2.7%.

Statistics Canada estimates that if the population continues to grow at the current rate, it will double in about 26 years.

Statistics Canada described the rise in immigration as “an effort by the government to alleviate labor shortages in key sectors of the economy” as “job vacancies and labor shortages are occurring at a time when the aging population is accelerating and the unemployment rate is at an all-time low.” did.

In late 2022, the Canadian government announced plans to attract 1.5 million immigrants by 2025 in an effort to close the economic gap caused by an aging population.

Canada ranks highest on Gallup’s Immigrant Acceptance Index. Gallup data released last December found that Canadians rank among the highest rates in the world for immigrants in their communities.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has faced pressure from opponents as the number of people crossing from the United States to Canada has skyrocketed. In January, Canadian authorities said about 5,000 asylum seekers were crossing the border illegally.

Source: Donga