In the face of escalating anti-immigration sentiment in Canada, economists are sounding the alarm, cautioning that the unprecedented influx of newcomers has ensnared the country in what they describe as a “population trap.” A report released on Monday by the National Bank of Canada, authored by economists Stefane Marion and Alexandra Ducharme, highlights the challenges posed by unsustainable population growth, citing a lack of infrastructure and capital stock to accommodate the surge while maintaining a high standard of living.
The report underscores that Canada witnessed its highest-ever annual population increase, with 1.2 million new residents in 2023—a record not surpassed since 1949 when Newfoundland joined the Federation, resulting in a population growth of over 600,000 in that year.
Statistics Canada figures, as reported by the Globe and Mail, reveal that approximately 2.5 million temporary residents, primarily individuals on study or work permits, are currently in Canada. The National Bank of Canada report calls for a substantial reduction in these numbers, asserting that the country’s annual total population growth should ideally range between 300,000 and 500,000 to escape the so-called “population trap.”
The surging figures have triggered a backlash against immigration, as evidenced by a recent survey conducted by Nanos Research for CTV. The poll found that 61% of respondents desire fewer immigrants to be admitted into the country in the current year compared to 2023. This marks an eight per cent increase in anti-immigration sentiment since September 2023. The survey also reveals a decline in the proportion of respondents supporting increased immigration, dropping from 17% in 2020 to a mere five per cent presently.
Housing and infrastructure deficiencies are cited by a significant majority—73.5%—of those advocating for a decrease in immigration levels.
Of note, immigrants from India constitute nearly 30% of newcomers across various categories. In 2022, they accounted for almost 27% of the total 437,539 permanent residents admitted. The proportion of Indian nationals is even higher in temporary categories, with data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicating that, as of November 2023, they represented over 37% of individuals with study permits and approximately 30% of those with temporary work permits.
In response to the growing concerns, an editorial in the Globe and Mail warns that the long-standing consensus supporting immigration is under strain, asserting that the Canadian government must change its course swiftly to preserve this consensus. Although the government has indicated an intention to cap numbers for international students and temporary workers, a concrete timeline for such action has not been provided.
