Maple News reports that Canada’s fertility rate hit a historic low in 2019, with only 1.47 births per woman on average—far below the 2.1 threshold needed to maintain a stable population without immigration. This marks the lowest total fertility rate on record, continuing a trend that has held since 1971. With only 372,038 live births recorded across the country (excluding Yukon), demographic concerns are rising as fewer Canadians are having children.
Against this backdrop, Canada unveiled its ambitious Immigration Levels Plan for 2021–2023, aiming to welcome over 400,000 new immigrants annually. Official sources confirm that immigration rose to become a key driver of population growth, accounting for 78% of the country’s increase between 2018 and 2019—and surging to 79% the following year. By early 2020, immigration represented more than 80% of total population growth.
Statistics Canada notes that immigration is becoming increasingly essential for sustaining Canada’s aging population and workforce. As nearly 9 million baby boomers approach retirement within the next decade, the need for skilled workers is acute. Without stronger population and labour force support through immigration, Canada could face labour shortages and slowed economic growth.
The COVID-19 pandemic may also influence future fertility trends. While the full effect of the outbreak on birth rates is still being assessed, experts suggest that any pandemic-related “baby slump” will likely become clearer in birth data from mid to late 2021, particularly during the peak birth months of July and August.
The government’s immigration plan is largely a response to these demographic challenges. Forecasts from institutions like the Conference Board of Canada predict that by 2034, immigration could account for 100% of Canada’s population growth. This positions newcomers not only as contributors to demographic balance, but also as key players in Canada’s economic resilience.
In summary, with the natural birth rate declining and the retirement wave on the horizon, Canada views immigration as more than just a policy—it’s a critical strategy for future sustainability.