Canada's population sees fastest growth in 66 years in 2023

Ottawa: Canada experienced its fastest population growth in 66 years in 2023, reaching a record high of 40.77 million people, according to Statistics Canada.

The country added 1.27 million individuals in 2023, marking a 3.2% increase from the previous year, which represents the highest growth rate since 1957.

The significant population surge has largely been attributed to temporary immigration, as stated by Statistics Canada. The influx of immigrants, both permanent and temporary, accounted for 97.6% of the population growth in 2023, with the remaining 2.4% attributed to natural increase.

"This was the second consecutive year that temporary immigration played a key role in population growth, continuing a trend observed for the past three years," noted Statscan.

Canada's reliance on immigration to bolster its labor force and economic expansion has been evident, with nearly a quarter of its population being non-native-born Canadian residents as of 2021, according to the IMF's 2021 report, making it the highest among G7 nations.

However, the surge in population has led to challenges, particularly in housing.

The housing shortage, exacerbated by immigration, has driven up house prices and reduced affordability, impacting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's approval ratings. Economists and the Bank of Canada have also noted that the rapid population growth has contributed to a decline in gross domestic product per capita figures and productivity levels.

To address these concerns, Trudeau's Liberal government has implemented measures aimed at limiting the influx of international students and non-permanent residents into Canada.

According to Statscan data, as of January 1, 2024, an estimated 2,661,784 non-permanent residents were living in Canada, including permit holders and their families, as well as asylum claimants with or without work or study permits.