Maple News reports that Ontario’s labor market is thriving, supported in large part by a surge in skilled newcomers. A recent analysis by the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario highlights that permanent residents are playing an increasingly vital role in fueling the province’s economic development.
Ontario welcomed an unprecedented 227,424 immigrants in 2022, setting a new provincial record. These numbers reflect broader national targets set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under its 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to admit 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 annually in both 2025 and 2026.
According to the report, immigrants have accounted for almost two-thirds of Ontario’s labor force growth since the mid-2010s — a transformative shift that underlines their central role in the province’s economy. Most of these arrivals are in their prime working years, with 92% being under the age of 55. Furthermore, 80% of these newcomers hold post-secondary credentials, and nearly 39% already have experience studying or working in Canada, which gives them a stronger foundation for success.
Ontario remains the most populous destination for newcomers, in part due to the province’s extensive use of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This program empowers the province to select candidates who are likely to adapt and contribute effectively to the local economy. In 2023, Ontario was allocated 16,500 PNP spots — almost double that of the previous year — the most among all provinces.
The report also highlights a steady long-term trend in immigration composition. In the 1980s, economic immigrants — those selected for their skills, education, and potential economic contributions — represented 43.4% of newcomers to Ontario. That share has now climbed to 51.7%, signaling a strategic shift toward building a resilient and skilled workforce.
Notably, newly arrived immigrants outperform more established immigrants in key areas like Canadian experience and post-secondary education, underscoring the success of immigration policies focused on skilled and adaptable individuals.
Ontario’s growing immigrant population reinforces a robust labor market and reflects Canada’s broader strategy to use immigration as a lever for economic growth and demographic balance.
Maple News will continue to cover developments in immigration trends and their impact on Canada’s provinces.