Canada

Overview

Canada has long been known for its welcoming stance toward immigrants and refugees, with immigration playing a crucial role in shaping its economy, society, and population growth. As of 2021, immigrants made up 23% of Canada’s population, the highest percentage in over 150 years. However, rising housing costs, inflation, and growing political tensions have led to a shift in public sentiment and policy discussions around immigration.

Country Facts

• Population: 40+ million (2024)
• Immigrants as % of population: 23% (2021)
• Refugee claimants (2023): 143,770 (up from 10,365 in 2013)
• Population growth from immigration (2024): Over 90%

Crisis

Over the past decade, Canada has dramatically increased immigration levels, including refugees, international students, and temporary workers, aiming to boost economic recovery post-pandemic. However, the country now faces a housing shortage, inflation, and growing dissatisfaction among citizens. Once largely immune to anti-immigration sentiment, Canada is now seeing rising protests, political debates, and public concern over whether its cities and infrastructure can support further population growth. In 2022, only 27% of Canadians thought immigration levels were too high. By 2024, that number jumped to 58%. This shift has had political consequences, including the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in early 2025, with some analysts citing his delayed response to public anxiety as a contributing factor. Canada also faces pressure from increased irregular border crossings, especially from the U.S., prompting a 2023 agreement with the U.S. to return migrants to the first safe country of entry for asylum processing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why has immigration increased so much in Canada?
Post-pandemic strategies to revive the economy included raising immigration targets, with a focus on skilled labor, temporary foreign workers, and international students.

How is Canada supporting refugees?
Canada offers resettlement programs, social services, and integration support such as language training and housing assistance.

Why is housing such a big issue?
Rapid population growth, limited housing development, and inflation have contributed to skyrocketing rents and inadequate housing options, especially in cities like Toronto and Brampton.

What are some public concerns about immigration?
Housing shortages, strain on public services, and economic pressures have made some Canadians question the country’s capacity to continue high immigration levels.

What impact has this had on politics?
Immigration became a hot-button issue leading up to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation. The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, is now calling for immigration levels to match housing developmen