Maple News reports that former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney is urging Canada to rethink its long-term population strategy, advocating for a target of 100 million people by the year 2100. Speaking at a national forum hosted by The Globe and Mail and the Century Initiative think tank, Mulroney emphasized that dramatic population growth is not only desirable but essential to secure Canada’s future prosperity.
Mulroney, who is remembered for significantly increasing immigration levels during his time as prime minister in the 1980s and early 1990s, argued that Canada must take proactive steps now if it wants to remain competitive on the global stage. “We need more people—a lot more,” he said, aligning himself with the Century Initiative’s bold vision for economic sustainability and demographic renewal.
Canada is currently facing multiple demographic challenges, including a declining fertility rate and an aging population. The country’s birth rate has steadily dropped below the replacement level of 2.1 births per woman, creating long-term pressure on its labor force and social safety nets. By the end of this decade, 9 million baby boomers will have reached retirement age, further straining public finances and healthcare resources.
To counterbalance this trend, Canada has relied heavily on immigration. In 2019, immigration accounted for over 80% of the country’s population growth. Between 2021 and 2023, the federal government plans to welcome more than 1.2 million newcomers. However, according to Century Initiative, current efforts won’t be enough to meet future economic demands or maintain Canada’s global influence.
The Century Initiative outlines two possible futures for the country. In one scenario, by 2100 Canada’s population reaches just under 50 million. In this case, the country would experience subdued economic growth, a shrinking labor pool, and reduced global standing. Alternatively, achieving a population of 100 million would mean stronger annual GDP growth—projected at 2.6%—and a younger, larger workforce to sustain the economy.
A more populous Canada would bring numerous benefits. Employers would have greater access to domestic talent, and a growing tax base would provide the financial capacity to fund expansive infrastructure and social programs. Furthermore, a robust population base would help Canadian businesses expand more confidently into international markets while attracting stronger foreign investment.
Maple News notes that Mulroney’s endorsement of a 100-million population goal underscores a growing consensus among policy experts: expanding immigration is not merely a demographic necessity, it is a strategic imperative for Canada’s long-term well-being.
Mulroney’s perspective adds to a rising chorus of voices calling for Canada to prepare now for the realities of the 21st century through visionary immigration and population policies.