Century Initiative issued the following statement in response to today's announcement from the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship regarding Canada’s (IRCC) new 2022-2024 Immigration Levels Plan:
Century Initiative welcomes the ambitious new targets announced today as part of the federal government’s 2022-2024 Immigration Levels Plan. These targets include permanent resident admissions of 431,645 in 2022, 447,055 in 2023, and 451,000 in 2024. These figures represent an increase from previous targets of 411,000 in 2022, and 421,000 in 2023.
As Canada’s population ages our birth rate has also declined to its lowest level in over 100 years, which means we will reach a point where we do not have the human or economic resources to advance or sustain the country’s social, economic, and environmental goals. Immigration is therefore a key element of Canada’s path to long-term prosperity, in addition to contributing to the country’s diversity, resilience and global influence.
Century Initiative commends the government for recognizing the important role that immigration plays in our economic prosperity, and the plan they announced today will help build upon Canada’s already strong economic immigration record and its recognition of the importance of family reunification and refugee resettlement.
Because immigration alone will not advance Canada’s long-term economic goals, Century Initiative will continue to advocate for investments in affordable housing, climate adaptation infrastructure, broadband access, roads, bridges and public transit, all of which contribute to our ability as a country to not just grow, but to grow well into the future.
Today’s announcement is another positive step forward for the country, and Century Initiative welcomes the opportunity to continue working with the government to seize it in the interest of future generations of Canadians.
