The federal government is planning a massive increase in the number of immigrants entering Canada per year, with a target of 500,000 by 2025.
The latest release of 2021 census data shows immigrants make up nearly a quarter of all people in Canada, and are projected to represent a third of people in the country by 2041.
Immigration now makes up the largest portion of the population since Confederation, with more than 8.3 million people in the country who were, or had ever been, a landed immigrant or permanent resident.
Statistics Canada says immigration is the main driver of population growth, in part because of the aging population and low fertility rates in the country.
Immigrants also made up four-fifths of labour force growth from 2016 to 2021.
Previously, the majority of immigrants to Canada came from Europe, but now most immigrants come from Asia, including the Middle East.
One in five immigrants to Canada were born in India, making it the top country of birth for recent arrivals.
Report by the Canadian Press
