Sunday, March 23, 2008 -
by
agentCanada
More articles in Canadian Immigration
Discuss (0 posts)
Printable View
In 2007 Canada accepted the highest number of immigrants (temporary and
permanent residents) to date. This is based on the preliminary data released by
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)
on March 14th 2007. In 2007, Canada admitted 429,649 permanent residents,
temporary foreign workers and foreign students. This number is more than 60,000
higher than it was just four years ago.
Canada's fast growing economy means labour demands will also continue to grow
in the next few years. The most recent Census indicates that in the past five
years, Canada's population grew by 1.6 million. Of that 1.1 million was he
result of immigration. The country is on track to becoming 100 per cent
dependent on immigration for growth. By 2012, immigration is expected to account
for all net growth in our labour force.
Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Canadian Citizenship and Immigration
said that these numbers show that our immigration program is responding to
Canada's needs, particularly our economic needs. Labour shortages are being felt
in sectors across the country. Immigration is helping to meet labour demands and
to ensure industries are able to remain competitive in the global economy.
"As immigration becomes increasingly important in supporting Canada's growth,
we are bringing in people with the right mix of skills to address both short and
long-term labour market needs," Minister Finley added. "At the same time, we
must also help ensure the success of immigrants by helping them settle and
integrate into Canadian society."
Last year, Canada admitted more temporary foreign workers than in recent
years to respond to the labour market needs of Canada's economy. A 12 percent
increase in the number of temporary foreign workers accounts for much of the
increase in the overall number of temporary and permanent residents admitted in
2007. The statistics also show a 4.6 percent increase in the number of foreign
students admitted in 2007.
Over 251,000 permanent resident visas were issued, which is within the target
range of 240,000 to 265,000. Only 236,689 visa holders had arrived in Canada by
year's end. CIC
controls when visas are issued, it does not control when people use them.
Permanent residents may decide to use their visa at any time during the period
it is valid.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Douglas Kellam
Spokesperson, Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
