Canada Unveils Ambitious Immigration Plan to Boost Economic Growth

February 14, 2022—Ottawa: Immigration has been a cornerstone in shaping Canada into a nation celebrated for its prosperity, diversity, and welcoming spirit. Newcomers not only enrich Canadian communities but also play a pivotal role in job creation, caregiving, and supporting local enterprises. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, immigrants have been instrumental in essential sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing, underscoring their vital contributions to overcoming challenges in critical industries.

Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, introduced the 2022–2024 Immigration Levels Plan. This blueprint sets an ambitious yet responsible course for immigration, aimed at aiding Canada’s economic recovery and fostering post-pandemic growth. It seeks to fortify communities and industries nationwide that depend on immigration.

Acknowledging Newcomers' Contributions

The pandemic has spotlighted the critical role newcomers play in the well-being of communities and the economy at large. In 2021, Canada welcomed over 405,000 new permanent residents—the highest number in a single year in the country’s history. Despite job recovery strides, hundreds of thousands of positions across various sectors remain vacant. Immigration is now responsible for nearly 100% of Canada's labour force growth. With 5 million Canadians poised to retire by the decade's end, the worker-to-retiree ratio is set to fall to 3:1, highlighting an urgent need for increased immigration.

Immigration Levels Plan: Key Targets

To address labour market shortages and sustain economic vitality, the 2022–2024 Immigration Levels Plan targets welcoming immigrants at a rate approximating 1% of Canada’s population. The plan outlines:

• 431,645 permanent residents in 2022
• 447,055 in 2023
• 451,000 in 2024

This strategy builds on previous plans, emphasizing economic resurgence and growth in the post-pandemic era.

Modernizing Immigration Processes

To support these targets, the Canadian government has announced plans to modernize its immigration system. This modernization aims to boost economic recovery, enhance client experiences, reduce application backlogs, and create predictable processing times.

Regional Support and Francophone Immigration

The plan also focuses on attracting and retaining newcomers in regions facing economic, labour, and demographic challenges. It aims to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec, promoting the integration of French-speaking newcomers and bolstering Francophone communities across Canada. As part of the Francophone Immigration Strategy, the target is set at 4.4% French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec by 2023.

Plan Highlights

• Admissions amounting to 1.14% of the Canadian population by 2024.
• A long-term emphasis on economic growth, with nearly 60% of admissions in the Economic Class.
• Support for vulnerable populations, including special measures for refugee claimants in healthcare during the pandemic.
• Upholding global humanitarian commitments by providing asylum to those facing persecution.
• Retention of talent already in Canada by granting permanent status to temporary residents accepted through pathways for essential workers introduced in spring 2021.

The plan also underscores the importance of family reunification, maintaining a 12-month processing standard for spouses and children.

Humanitarian Commitments

Canada remains committed to its global humanitarian responsibilities, including plans to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals over the next two years. To date, over 7,550 Afghan refugees have been resettled in Canada, thanks to collaborative efforts with regional partners to secure safe passage from Afghanistan.

The 2022–2024 Immigration Levels Plan positions Canada as a leading destination for global talent, laying the groundwork for robust post-pandemic economic growth while reuniting families and fulfilling humanitarian commitments. As Canada continues to welcome newcomers with open arms, it reinforces its reputation as a diverse and thriving nation ready to