Immigration matters a lot to Canada. For many years, Canada has relied on skilled newcomers to boost the country’s economy and fill jobs in sectors experiencing acute labor shortages. Immigration has also helped Canadian employers in recruiting skilled workers who aspire for Canada PR benefits. Canadians live longer, and the birth rate is the lowest; more people are retiring, and fewer students in schools, the pool of Canadian-born existing and potential workers are limited.
Even during the pandemic, Canada continued to hold immigration draws to invited newcomers with the skills needed in the Canadian economy. Immigration is a ‘key element’ of Canada’s economic recovery and its long-term prosperity. The country is now aiming to add 401,000 new permanent residents next year and 411,000 in 2022. The last time Canada attracted over 400,000 people in one year was in the early 1900s.
The immigration target set by Canada will help mitigate the economic damage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This time the government wants to improve the healthcare and technology sector along with the skilled trades sector.
How Covid-19 pandemic impacted Canada’s immigration
Canada closed its borders on March 18, 2020, to curb the spread of the virus. The country had planned to welcome 341 000 newcomers in 2020 but could only admit 128,425 people by August.
Due to lockdowns and travel restrictions, immigration levels had dropped significantly last year. As per Statistics Canada, as of January 1, 2021, Canada experienced the slowest growth in immigration since 1916. The drop in immigrants admitted to Canada has harmed Canadian provinces, 342,000 in 2019 and 185,000 in 2020.
The effort to develop and distribute vaccines across Canada has produced promising options for getting the pandemic under control. But bringing the immigration flow to pre-pandemic levels is still not possible.
As per Desormeaux, Senior Economist of Scotia Bank, “So far in 2021, immigrant admissions are up 25% versus the same period last year, but still below pre-pandemic levels”. He further added that “Loosening of pandemic restrictions likely contributed to some of those increases, but Canada has also seen a rise in the number of permanent residents who previously held temporary work and study permits—particularly in those provinces where admissions are up to date this year. The recent improvements in immigration levels stem from changes in the immigration status of individuals already in the country.”
He said that Canada’s ability to invite more immigrants entirely depends on how effectively the government vaccinates its population and how quickly it opens the economy.
Many newcomers also want to come to Canada mainly because Canada supported its people during the pandemic. According to the survey conducted by Boston Consulting Group and the Network, shows Canada is the number one work destination globally. Canada’s solid and supportive coronavirus management has helped the country book the first spot, leaving behind the US and other European countries.
Canada is also the first choice for those with master’s degrees or doctorates, those with digital training or expertise, and those younger than 30.
How immigrants benefit Canada
Immigrants contribute to the economy and generate jobs
Immigrants play a critical role in Canada’s economic growth as they do jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the gross domestic profit (GDP). They pay taxes to fund Canada’s public services, such as health care. Immigrants also spend money on goods, housing, and transportation.
Immigrants support social and healthcare services
Many newcomers to Canada are young and economically and socially active; their hefty contribution to Canada’s government-funded benefits is clear. According to the 2016 Census, over 335,000 immigrants work in health-related occupations.
Immigrants are skilled workers
Many Canadian immigration programs target skilled workers who have the skills required to bolster the economy. Many of these newcomers are highly educated and university degree holders recruited into high-wage sectors, including technology, medical, professional services, and scientific sectors.
Immigrants create jobs
Immigrants also create jobs for other Canadians through their entrepreneurial skills. Many business immigration programs in Canada help foreign investors and entrepreneurs migrate to Canada and permanently establish their businesses. They create employment for Canadians and also improve trade ties.
To sum up
Immigration is necessary to lift Canada post Covid-19 pandemic. Welcoming more newcomers and providing them job opportunities present scope for economic growth and will unquestionably increase economic activity.
For more information you can contact with out immigration experts at 8595338595 or [email protected]
