#ImmigrationMatters is a campaign that seeks to engage Canadians on immigration and the values it brings to this country.
Canada welcomes one in every four immigrants that come to the country, making it the top destination for immigrants worldwide.
In fact, Canada is currently facing one of its most acute skill shortages that are sure to be felt by industry and business for years to come.
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Canada admits more immigrants than any other country in the world
Last year, Canada admitted 401,000 new permanent residents as well as foreign students and workers who come to fill skills gaps in the Canadian workforce and contribute to the economy in various ways.
Not only does our robust immigration system provide economic and social benefits to Canadians—like boosting Canada’s Gross Domestic Product by up to $48 billion per year—it also ensures that newcomers integrate into Canadian society and contribute to their communities.
Immigrants contribute to the economy and create jobs for Canadians
Immigration has proved to be highly crucial in supporting the labour force of the country every year.
Without it, employers would have a hard time finding enough qualified workers to fill available jobs.
As a result, there are more retirees, students, and an increase in Canada’s median age.
The size of the pool of available Canadian-born labor is small. Immigrants contribute to our economy by filling gaps in our labour force, paying taxes, and purchasing products.
The majority of our population growth is from immigration
In contrast to other developed countries such as Japan, Russia and most of Europe, Canada’s birth rate is far below replacement level.
This means that our population relies on various immigration programs to maintain a healthy growth rate.
If we want to ensure that our country remains prosperous and vibrant well into the future, we need to ensure that we remain a welcoming place for newcomers.
Immigrants are highly entrepreneurial
Immigrants are twice as likely to start a business in Canada than native-born Canadians.
In fact, from 2006 to 2011, immigrants were responsible for over half of all new businesses launched in Ontario.
Immigrants tend to be risk takers who understand that nothing good comes without hard work.
If you’re planning on starting your own business, then an immigrant might be a good partner with whom to do it.
Immigrants have a positive impact on crime rates
The data clearly show that areas with higher immigrant populations do not have higher crime rates.
If anything, there is a slight negative correlation between immigration and criminal activity—the more immigrants in an area, the lower crime.
Immigrants integrate fully into Canadian society
Since 2021, Canada has welcomed more than 401,000 permanent residents into our country.
These newcomers have settled in every region of our nation, and they make up roughly 22 percent of Toronto’s total population.
The rate at which new immigrants are integrating into Canadian society is quite remarkable, according to recent research by Statistics Canada.
One study examined how successfully immigrants were learning English in Toronto; it found that nearly half (45%) had achieved full fluency within six years or less.
Immigrants are thoroughly screened and respect our laws
In order to immigrate to Canada, you must have a valid passport and pay for your own flight to Canada.
You will also be screened by Canadian authorities and have criminal and health checks performed.
Upon arrival in our country, you are handed an immigration kit that includes a pre-paid cell phone with a local number where you can contact your case officer.
The numbers of your case officer and local police are included in that kit as well.
Immigrants deliver and improve our health and social services
Immigrants account for about a quarter of our health care workers, and their numbers are growing.
Immigrants make up nearly half of our medical scientists, who create new diagnostic tools and technologies that benefit all Canadians.
As well, almost half of all international students in Canada return to work here after completing their degrees.
