Century Initiative Calls for National Smart Growth Framework to Drive Canada’s Future Prosperity

New Report Highlights Urgent Need for Strategic, Long-Term Population Planning Amidst Immigration Debates

Toronto, ON, October 28, 2024 — Century Initiative today released a groundbreaking new report, Growing Smarter: The Case for a National Smart Growth Framework, calling on the federal government to lead the development of an integrated, long-term plan for population growth in Canada. With the country facing a rapidly aging population, low fertility rates, and increasing instability in our immigration planning, the report underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach that aligns immigration with strategic investments in housing, infrastructure, and public services.

“There is no question that Canada needs more people to ensure its long-term prosperity. But the path forward is not about simply increasing or decreasing immigration numbers,” said Lisa Lalande, CEO of Century Initiative. “This report makes it clear: we need a smart, coordinated growth framework—one that connects population policy with the essential services and infrastructure required to build a thriving economy and resilient communities.”

The report draws attention to Canada’s shrinking working-age population, declining productivity, and weak investment in innovation. It warns that without strategic planning, the pressures created by population growth will continue to strain housing, healthcare, and infrastructure, threatening the country’s economic future. The National Scorecard on Canada’s Growth and Prosperity reveals that Canada is already “falling behind” on key indicators, with 31 out of 40 measures requiring urgent attention.

“This is a wake-up call,” said Lalande. “Canada’s ability to grow well—socially, economically, and environmentally—depends on building an integrated smart growth framework. Our future prosperity depends on it.”

The report highlights international examples, including Scotland’s national population strategy and South Korea’s new Ministry of Population Strategy, that can inform Canada’s efforts to generate sustained prosperity. It also emphasizes that several provinces in Canada, such as Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, are already leading the way with their own growth strategies, identifying an opportunity for national leadership to achieving success on a larger scale.

Key principles outlined in the report include:

• Economic Resilience: Ensuring that population growth strengthens Canada’s economy by building a sustainable and skilled workforce.
• Inclusive and Sustainable Communities: Aligning population growth with equitable access to services and infrastructure.
• Strategic Immigration: Positioning immigration as a core driver of economic and demographic renewal.
• Regional Development and Partnerships: Smart growth must be tailored to the unique needs of Canada’s regions, working with provinces, Indigenous nations, and local governments.
• Future-Oriented Planning: Making long-term, evidence-based decisions to ensure that policies can adapt to changing population trends.
• Global Partnerships and National Security: Smart growth is an opportunity to recognize and advance international commitments and respond to an evolving     global security landscape.

By publishing this framework, Century Initiative hopes to provoke a more productive, long-term discussion about growth planning and population management. By working together—across sectors, provinces, and communities—Canada can build a more prosperous and sustainable future.

About Century Initiative

Century Initiative is a national, non-partisan charity dedicated to enhancing Canada’s long-term prosperity, resiliency, and global influence by responsibly growing the population to 100 million by 2100. Through an active research and outreach program, Century Initiative works to build amore prosperous, inclusive Canada, ensuring that population growth is aligned with sustainable infrastructure, economic opportunity, and shared prosperity.