Canada's population growth
Migration currently plays a significant role in Canada's population growth as the birth rate contribution to population growth has declined in recent years.
By the beginning of 2031, growth projections suggest that migratory increase could account for more than 80% of Canada's population.
(Statistics Canada, 2017e)
Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected immigrants' flow to Canada due to travel restrictions. Immigration processing capacity was reduced during the first six months of the pandemic (The Conference Board of Canada, 2021). Processing capacity has improved afterwards and the number of admissions picked up after easing the COVID-19 restrictions.
Two groups of refugees and immigrants were particularly affected by the pandemic: those reuniting with family members already in Canada (family class) and those seriously and personally affected by civil war, armed conflict or massive violation of human rights (refugee class) (Ibid.).
Refugees and family class were hit hardest with a reduction of these number by 72% and 63% respectively. By mid-2022, these levels had recovered and had almost reached pre-pandemic levels. IRCC started prioritizing those already in Canada to permanent residence as they are less likely to be affected by COVID-19 related disruptions (Ibid.).