With a population of nearly 40.1 million, Canada is experiencing spectacular demographic growth. According to Statistics Canada data as of July 1, 2023, the country saw an increase of 2.9% in one year, marking the largest twelve-month growth since 1957, during the era of the Hungarian refugee and baby crises.
On June 16, 2023, a major event was celebrated: Canada passed the symbolic milestone of 40 million inhabitants, as indicated by Canada’s Population Clock. Statistics Canada also confirmed this important milestone in its latest publications on population estimates.
Immigration plays a crucial role in this growth. Between July 1, 2022 and July 1, 2023, 98% of the country’s population growth is attributed to net international migration, while only 2% comes from the difference between births and deaths. The data shows a decline in fertility, reaching a historic low in 2022 with an average of 1.33 children per woman, compared to 1.44 in 2021.
The number of non-permanent residents also increased significantly, reaching 2,198,679 as of July 1, 2023, representing an increase of 46% in one year, the largest since 1971-1972. This increase is largely attributable to the increase in the number of work and study permit holders.
The welcoming of Ukrainians also contributed to these figures, following the Canada-Ukraine Emergency Travel Authorization initiative, launched after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in March 2022.
Alberta recorded the fastest growth of all provinces and territories, with an increase of 4.0%. This is due not only to immigration, but also to a net increase in interprovincial migration. Additionally, seven provinces recorded unprecedented growth rates.
When it comes to the distribution of non-permanent residents, Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia have the highest numbers, with almost a million in Ontario, half a million in Quebec and around 400,000 in Colombia. -British.
However, the future poses a major challenge: the aging of the population. The largest groups of baby boomers are currently reaching age 65. In recent years, the number of people aged 65 and over has exceeded that of children aged 0 to 14. An update on the aging of the Canadian population will be available on February 21, 2024.
Canada is at a demographic and migratory turning point, shaped by successive waves of immigration and major internal changes. These developments will continue to shape the country’s future for decades to come.
