Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive and dynamic workforce by setting a clear goal: ensuring that immigrants and refugees make up at least one-quarter of the national labour force.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s latest departmental plan, this target reflects the crucial role newcomers play in supporting the economy, addressing labour shortages, and enriching the country’s social fabric. The plan confirms a target of ≥25%, a level that maintains historically high participation from immigrant and refugee workers.
In fact, Canada has already come close to this figure in recent years, with immigrants comprising 29% of the labour force in both 2022 and 2023. This level of involvement far exceeds past decades, back in 2006, it was just 21.5%.
The contrast is even sharper when compared globally. For example, immigrants account for just 19.2% of the labour force in the United States, underscoring Canada’s leadership in leveraging skilled global talent.
Despite some recent shifts to rebalance immigration growth, Canada’s targets remain ambitious by historical standards. Even with temporary adjustments, the government is aiming for 367,000 to 436,000 new permanent residents in the coming year, well above pre-pandemic levels.
While economic pressures persist, particularly for youth employment, immigration remains a vital part of Canada’s recovery and long-term prosperity. Skilled newcomers not only help address critical gaps in sectors like healthcare, construction, and tech, but also contribute to innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development across the country.
This renewed focus on maintaining a strong immigrant workforce reinforces Canada’s reputation as a top destination for newcomers seeking opportunity and a better future.
