Canada plans to welcome 1 million immigrants by 2021

The Canadian Parliament has announced that it is planning to welcome more than 1 million immigrants over the next three years.

Canada welcomed more than 286,000 permanent residents in 2017 and it is hoped that the number of new arrivals could reach 350,000 this year. The Canadian government has then targeted 360,000 newcomers in 2020 and 370,000 in 2021.

“Thanks in great part to the newcomers we have welcomed throughout our history, Canada has developed into the strong and vibrant country we all enjoy,” said Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

He added that the influx will help offset Canada’s aging population and declining birth rate while growing its labour force.

Canada’s stance on immigration comes in direct contrast to that of many other western nations traditionally popular with immigrants. The United States, UK and New Zealand to name only a few, have all pledged to cut immigration numbers over the coming years, so Canada’s welcoming attitude could see a spike in interest to the country.

Earlier this week, the Government of Canada kicked off the new Express Entry year in impressive style, issuing 3,900 invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence to candidates with scores as low as 449.

This was the highest number of invitations issued in a first draw of the year in Express Entry’s five-year history.

Article published 11th January 2018