According to new data from Statistics Canada (StatCan), Canada has seen its strongest quarterly population growth since the height of the baby boom, mainly thanks to new immigrants.
Canada’s population grew by 0.7% to 284,982 people in the second quarter of 2022, an increase of more than 3,100 people per day, according to data released on September 28. It also beats the previous record set in the third quarter. of 1957, when the population increased by 0.8%, or 133,000 people.
International migration accounted for 94.5% of growth, the largest quarterly increase in immigrants on record. However, around 60% of migrants are considered non-permanent residents, with many people here to work or study, in addition to asylum seekers, including Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion.
In a statement, StatCan noted that the higher level of immigrants “may be the result of growth catching up from lower immigration levels at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In 2021, Canada set the record for population growth in one year, increasing by 1.8%, or just over 700,000 people. This broke the previous record of 1.4% just before the pandemic. In 2020, the population increased by only 0.6%.
Last year, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick experienced their strongest population growth since Confederation in 1867. Migrants entering these provinces came about equally other parts of Canada and outside of Canada.
Many Canadians moved from Ontario to other parts of the country last year, with a total of 349,563 people leaving the province. It was the highest number since 1989, and almost 40% more than the previous year.
Statistics Canada says most of those leaving Ontario are young adults and are likely leaving due to the ability to work from home resulting from the pandemic, as well as greater housing affordability elsewhere.