Canada has always had to strike a delicate balance when it comes to immigration, population expansion, and labour management. Due to an influx of educated foreign workers and students, the population of the nation has significantly increased in recent years. 

While this increase has helped the labour market and boosted economic prospects, it has also sparked worries about future difficulties in a number of economic sectors, including housing affordability, access to healthcare, the expansion of infrastructure, and social support systems.

Canada Population Surge

Canada's population increased dramatically during the past year, adding 1.2 million additional citizens. Numerous factors, notably the influx of non-permanent residents (NPRs) with work permits, study permits and refugee statuses, have been blamed for this increase. 

The number of Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) in seasonal industries has also significantly increased as a result of policy changes, which has contributed to population growth. Additionally, with over 807,000 study permits given last year, Canadian educational institutions exceeded recommendations for the admission of international students. 

The population has increased as a result of the flood of asylum seekers, especially as a result of situations like the Canadian-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Effects of Canada's Population Boom

Both positive and negative effects of the population boom have been experienced. On the one hand, since last spring, Canada has benefited from a monthly job growth of about 40,000, which has kept job openings in check and stabilised the unemployment rate, which would have fallen precipitously without immigration. 

Certain industries, most notably housing, where a shortage has become apparent, are showing indications of stress. Healthcare accessibility issues have also arisen, calling for legislation to lower barriers to credential recognition among medical professionals and other skilled workers. 

Additionally, the rapid population growth has hindered the development of social support systems and infrastructure.

The Way Forward

Canada needs to put intelligent policies into place if immigration, population expansion, and the labour force are to coexist peacefully. Beyond only meeting the needs of businesses and educational institutions, more attention should be paid to the genuine absorption rate for population expansion. 

The proper integration of both new and existing Canadians into the socioeconomic fabric of the nation must be a policy priority.

The Canadian government has recently taken action to remedy particular deficiencies. The impact on the healthcare sector has been lessened by initiatives to lower obstacles to recognising qualifications for engineers, doctors, and other professionals. 

For instance, the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta made application processes easier to encourage more international-trained nurses who are already residing in Canada to submit applications. This lessened the stress on the housing and social systems. To ensure the effective use of talented immigrants, such ideas might be used in other industries.

FAQS

What advantages do immigrants provide for Canada?

By filling labour market gaps and supporting diverse economic sectors, Canada's immigrant population helps the country's economy flourish.

What effect does the influx of international students have on the labour force in Canada?

The addition of international students enhances the labour pool in Canada by luring young talent with a range of abilities and viewpoints. After graduating, a large number of overseas students join the Canadian labour market, which boosts the economy of the nation.