Canada welcomes the most immigrants ever in a single year

Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced that Canada has reached its target and welcomed more than 401,000 new permanent residents in 2021.

The government says it has surpassed the previous record from 1913, marking the most newcomers in a year in Canadian history.

“Last year, we set an ambitious goal. Today, we achieved it. This is a historic moment for our country, as we welcome the highest number of newcomers in a century,” said Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser, in a statement. “I want to thank all the employees in my department, especially our Operations Sector, who made this possible. Canada is built on immigration, and we will continue to safely welcome the immigrants that Canada needs to succeed. I can’t wait to see the incredible contributions that our 401,000 new neighbours make in communities across the country.”

The government says employees of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processed a record half a million applications in 2021. To achieve this, the government says the IRCC added resources, embraces new technology and brought more processes online.

“Canada needs immigration to drive our economy, enrich our society and support our aging population. One in 3 Canadian businesses is owned by an immigrant, and 1 in 4 health care workers is a newcomer,” said the government in a news release. “Business, labour market experts and economists all agree that immigration creates jobs, spurs innovation and helps address labour shortages. New Canadians contribute to communities across our country every day, and we will continue welcoming more of them as we build the Canada of tomorrow.”

In 2019, Canada welcomed more than 341,000 permanent residents and over 184,500 new permanent residents over the course of 2020.

According to the government, immigrants will represent up to 30 per cent of Canada’s population, compared with 20.7 per cent in 2011.