Maple News reports that immigration remains a key driver of Canada’s economic and workforce stability, especially as the country faces increased challenges stemming from an aging population and low birth rate. With labor shortages across numerous industries, immigrants are playing an essential role in closing talent gaps and ensuring sustained economic growth.
According to Statistics Canada, immigrants between the ages of 25 and 54 made up a significant portion of several sectoral workforces as of May 2021. Specifically, they account for more than 36% of workers in accommodation and food services, nearly 38% in transportation and warehousing, over 34% in professional, scientific and technical services, and more than 20% in construction. These figures are a testament to the value immigrants bring to maintaining and expanding labor force participation across the country.
In the healthcare sector — a field already under pressure due to a rapidly retiring workforce — the impact of immigration is particularly profound. Out of over 1.6 million people employed in healthcare, nearly half a million are over the age of 55, indicating potential workforce shortages in the near future. Immigrants help bridge this gap, currently comprising 25% of the sector’s workforce. Notably, they represent 36% of physicians, 23% of registered nurses, and a striking 54% of dental technologists.
The business sector, which employs over 12 million Canadians and includes more than 2.7 million self-employed individuals, also benefits from immigrant participation. Maple News notes that immigrants own 33% of businesses with at least one paid employee, generating jobs in sectors such as construction, retail, healthcare, and professional services. Across Canada, there are over 600,000 self-employed immigrants, of whom more than 260,000 employ other Canadians.
Additionally, over 47,000 immigrants hold senior management positions nationwide, highlighting the influence of immigrant leaders in steering companies and contributing to Canada’s economic direction. Their entrepreneurial spirit has made Canada a top destination for global founders, particularly under immigration pathways such as the Start-Up Visa.
From frontline healthcare services to boardroom leadership, immigrants continue to make critical contributions to Canada’s prosperity. As labor shortages deepen and demographic challenges persist, their role will only grow more crucial in shaping the country’s economic future.
Immigration stands not only as a policy imperative but also as an economic necessity. Statistics continuously reaffirm what businesses, communities, and governments are already witnessing — that Canada’s future success is tied closely to its ability to attract, integrate, and support immigrants.