Canada’s immigration system
Understanding how immigration contributes to our economy
Canada’s economic success relies in part on immigration, which helps expand the labour force, address workforce shortages and support the delivery of essential services across the country.
How immigration contributes to specific sectors
Immigrants contribute skills, experience and innovation to Canada’s workforce. Discover their impact across key sectors of the economy.
Unless otherwise noted, the statistics on this page are from the 2021 Census.
Health care
More than 1.9 million people work in Canada’s health care sector and many more will be needed in the coming years to ensure continued access to high-quality care.
Over 420,000 workers in the health care sector are over the age of 55, and most of these will be retiring in the next decade or so. In addition, there are existing recruitment challenges from everywhere in Canada for nurses, residential care staff and home health care staff. There’s a clear opportunity for immigrants to play an important role in ensuring there are enough people working in the health care sector.
Key statistics: The impact of immigration in health care
- Immigrants account for 1 in 4 health care sector workers.
- In Canada, immigrants make up
- 61% of dental technologists and related occupations
- 45% of dentists
- 43% of pharmacists
- 42% of nurse aides and related occupations
- 37% of physicians
- 25% of registered nurses
- More than 40% of newcomers to Canada between 2016 and 2021 who were working in the health care sector were employed in the important areas of nursing and residential care facilities, as well as home health care services.
Manufacturing
Canada’s manufacturing sector employs more than 1.4 million workers, and more will be needed as the Canadian economy grows. Of these employees, almost 3 in 10 are over 55 years old, with most expected to retire within the next 10 years. The manufacturing sector in Canada produces a wide variety of goods ranging from key staples, such as food and drinks, to high-tech electronic products. As the need for employees in this sector grows, immigrants can contribute significantly, ensuring that Canadians can continue to produce and access high-value goods.
Key statistics: The impact of immigration in manufacturing
- Immigrants account for over 30% of all manufacturing sector workers.
- Of all self-employed workers in the manufacturing sector, almost 1 in 3 are immigrants.
- In Canada, immigrants play a key role in the manufacturing sector, with the immigrant share of workers as follows:
- 54% in the clothing manufacturing sector
- 42% in the computer and electronics sector
- 38% in the food manufacturing sector
- 37% in the electric equipment, appliances and components sector
Skilled trades
Canada’s industrial, commercial and utility construction sector employs more than 1 million workers and will need more as Canada builds and maintains non-residential buildings, utilities, transportation infrastructure and industrial facilities. This part of construction is distinct from residential construction and relies on a wide range of skilled trades and technical occupations, from electricians, plumbers, carpenters and welders to civil and electrical engineers. More than 215,000 workers in this sector are over the age of 55, and many are expected to retire in the coming years. Immigrants can help address these labour needs and support project delivery across Canada.
Key statistics: The impact of immigration in skilled trades
- Immigrants account for 18% of all workers in Canada’s industrial, commercial and utility construction sector.
- Across industrial, commercial and utility construction industries, immigrants account for 17% of workers in non-residential building construction, 15% in utility system construction, 30% in land subdivision, 16% in highway, street and bridge construction, and 17% in other heavy and civil engineering construction.
- Immigrants also account for 20% of workers in foundation, structure and building exterior contractors, 17% in building equipment contractors, 26% in building finishing contractors and 12% in other specialty trade contractors.
- In construction-related professional and technical occupations, immigrants account for 40% of civil engineers, 52% of electrical and electronics engineers, 31% of electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians, and 25% of construction estimators.
- Among skilled trades connected to this sector, immigrants account for 30% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors, 22% of welders and related machine operators, 23% of bricklayers, and 17% of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics.
- Immigrants also account for 16% of electricians (except industrial and power system), 14% of plumbers, 18% of gas fitters, 15% of carpenters, 15% of construction millwrights and industrial mechanics, 12% of sheet metal workers and 11% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics.
Residential construction
Canada’s residential construction sector employs more than 600,000 workers , and more will be needed as Canada continues to address housing challenges. Importantly, this sector employs a wide range of skilled tradespeople, including electricians, carpenters and plumbers. Of all workers in these skilled trades, 18% are over 55 years old, and many are expected to retire within the next 10 years. To meet the growing demand for housing, Canada needs a strong and growing construction and skilled trades workforce, and immigrants can play a vital role in fulfilling these needs.
Key statistics: The impact of immigration in residential construction
- Immigrants account for 23% of all general contractors and builders of residential buildings (NAICS industry sector 2361) with 27% of these immigrants having arrived in Canada between 2011 and 2021.
- Immigrants account for nearly 41% of all architects, 40% of all civil engineers, 23% of all urban and land use planners, and 24% of all construction managers.
- Immigrants could support a growing need for skilled workers in the construction sector.
- Currently, immigrants account for
- 20% of roofers and shinglers
- 16% of all electricians
- 15% of all carpenters
- 14% of all plumbers
- 12% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
Business
The business sector in Canada employs nearly 12.5 million people. Entrepreneurs are a very important part of the business sector and the Canadian economy as a whole. More than 2.5 million Canadians are self-employed, and more than 800,000 of them have paid employees.
These entrepreneurs ensure there’s competition and consumer choice for products and services in communities large and small from coast to coast to coast. Nearly 950,000 of self-employed individuals are over the age of 55, and many are expected to retire within the next 10 years. As we look to the future, immigrant entrepreneurs and business leaders will have an important role to play in ensuring we have a growing and successful economy.
Key statistics: The impact of immigration in business
- Immigrants account for 32% of all business owners with paid staff, creating important local jobs in all sectors of our economy such as construction, professional services, health care and retail trade.
- There are more than 800,000 self-employed immigrants throughout the country, and over 250,000 of them have paid employees.
- There are more than 46,000 immigrants in senior management roles across the country.
- The percentage of business owners (self-employed persons with paid staff) who are immigrants, by sector:
- Truck transportation: 56%
- Restaurants: 53%
- Grocery stores: 52%
- Computer systems design and services: 49%
- Dentists’ offices: 43%
- Software publishers: 40%
- Data processing, hosting and services: 32%
Transportation
Canada’s transportation sector employs more than 800,000 workers, and more will be needed as the Canadian economy grows. More than 1 in 4 of these employees are over 55 years old, with the majority expected to retire within the next 10 years. The transportation sector encompasses a network of companies and people that help make sure Canadians have access to essentials like food and medication. It also includes crucial services like public transit, air transportation and rail transportation. As the need for employees in this sector grows, immigrants can contribute significantly to keeping this network stable so it continues to deliver essential products and services across Canada.
Key statistics: The impact of immigration in transportation
- Immigrants account for nearly 34% of all transportation sector workers.
- Of all self-employed workers in the transportation sector, 58% are immigrants.
- Immigrants make up 56% of truck transportation business owners (self-employed persons with paid staff).
- In Canada, the immigrant share of workers is
- 43% in transit and ground passenger transportation
- 35% in truck transportation
- 26% in postal service
- 25% in air transportation
- 18% in rail transportation
Science and technology
Canada’s science and technology sector employs nearly 1.5 million individuals, and there will be a significant need for additional workers in the future to maintain access to essential technical skills. Over 320,000 workers in the science and technology sector are over the age of 55, and most of them will be retiring within the next 10 years.
With an aging Canadian workforce and the need for more technology workers, there’s an opportunity for immigrants to make their mark in the field.
Key statistics: The impact of immigration in science and technology
- Of those working in scientific research and development services throughout Canada, 37% are foreign-born.
- Nearly 1.4 million immigrants working in Canada are trained in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
- Immigrants represent 26% of the national workforce but account for 35% of computer programmers, 43% of engineers and 57% of all chemists.
- International students represent 18% of students in the country’s post-secondary education system but account for 37% of all students enrolled in mathematics, computer and information sciences programs and 26% of all students in architecture, engineering and related programs.
- Many international students enrolled in STEM fields will stay and build their careers in Canada, enhancing our capacity for innovation and helping us build a stronger economy for the future.
- Percentage of immigrants in STEM occupations:
- Chemists: 57%
- Software engineers and designers: 55%
- Engineers: 43%
- Physicists and astronomers: 42%
- Computer programmers: 35%
Food services
The food service sector is one of the top employers in Canada. There are over 1 million employees in the sector, an increase of 7% since 2020. But restaurants and other food service businesses still need workers.
As of July 2021, nearly 60% of business owners in the food service sector cited labour shortages as one of the biggest challenges to finding staff (Restaurants Canada, 2021 employer survey). Immigrants will remain an important source of workers for this industry in the years ahead.
Key statistics: The impact of immigration in food services
- More than 1 in 4 workers in the food and beverage sector are immigrants.
- The food and beverage sector employed 7% of all working immigrants who arrived here between 2016 and 2021.
- Across the country, immigrants make up more than half (51%) of business owners with paid staff in the food and beverage sector.
- New immigrants are helping to grow the food service sector. In 2021, more than 2,400 recent immigrants across the country owned a food or beverage business.
- Percentage of business owners (defined as self-employed persons with paid employees) in the food and beverage sector who are immigrants:
- Canada: 51%
- Yukon: 71%
- Alberta: 65%
- British Columbia: 62%
- Ontario: 60%
- Manitoba: 53%
- Saskatchewan: 48%
- Northwest Territories: 43%
- Nova Scotia: 35%
- Prince Edward Island: 33%
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 29%
- Quebec: 29%
- New Brunswick: 20%
- Nunavut: Data not applicable
Education (K-12)
Canada’s elementary and secondary education sector employs more than 845,000 workers and plays a critical role in supporting student learning and long-term economic growth. This workforce includes secondary school teachers, elementary school and kindergarten teachers, and instructors of persons with disabilities. More than 175,000 workers in this sector are over the age of 55, meaning retirements will contribute to ongoing hiring needs in schools across Canada. Immigrants can help meet these needs while also strengthening access to French-language and bilingual education outside Quebec.
Key statistics: The impact of immigration in education (K-12)
- Immigrants account for 16% of all workers in Canada’s elementary and secondary education sector.
- Canada-wide, immigrants account for 16% of secondary school teachers, 14% of elementary school and kindergarten teachers, and 10% of instructors of persons with disabilities.
- Immigrants account for almost 67,000 elementary and secondary school teachers across Canada, including 35,500 in Ontario, 12,800 in Quebec, 9,600 in British Columbia, 5,100 in Alberta, 2,000 in Manitoba, 690 in Saskatchewan, 1,100 in Atlantic Canada and 170 across the Territories.
- Among education workers outside Quebec, 5% have French as their first official language spoken, and nearly 9,500 are bilingual in English and French.
Early learning and child care
There are more than 4.7 million children under 12 years old in Canada. Early learning and child care occupations in Canada employ more than 208,000 workers . These occupations provide critical support for the education and well-being of children in roles such as daycare workers, educators, teachers, assistants and caregivers who provide care for children at home. Given that 40% of workers in these occupations are over the age of 45, and many are expected to retire or transition to other employment in the next decade, immigrants continue to ensure vital support for children’s education and well-being.
Key statistics: The impact of immigration in early learning and child care
- Seventy-seven per cent of immigrants in early learning and child care occupations have completed post-secondary education.
- Over 50% of all home child care providers in the country are immigrants.
- Immigrants account for 39% of all early learning educators and child care providers, with 36% of these immigrants having arrived in Canada between 2011 and 2021.
- Almost 1 in 3 self-employed daycare providers (NAICS 6244) are immigrants.
Arts and culture
Canada is home to a vibrant and lucrative arts and culture sector. Canadian artists, musicians, actors and authors are known around the world. Immigrants play an important role in helping this sector grow and flourish.
Key statistics: The impact of immigration in arts and culture
- There are nearly 100,000 immigrants working in professional and technical occupations in arts and culture throughout the country.
- Immigrants make up 21% of independent artists, writers and performers.
- Throughout Canada, there are more than 2,000 businesses (defined as self-employed persons with paid employees) in the arts and culture sector owned by immigrants.
- Percentage of immigrants in creative occupations
- Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers: 31%
- Independent artists, writers and performers: 21%
- Artisans and craftspersons: 26%
Sports
How we practise sports in Canada today is influenced by a number of factors, including our 4 seasons, and our geographic and social diversity. For example, lacrosse, our national summer sport, has been played by Indigenous peoples for close to 1,000 years.
Hockey, our national winter sport, was invented in Canada in the 1800s. Basketball was invented by Canadian Dr. James Naismith in 1891 to condition young athletes during the winter. Our sport system allows people from all segments of Canadian society to get involved in sport activities at all levels and in all forms of participation.
Many athletes who represent Canada on an international stage were born outside of the country.
Key statistics: The impact of immigration in sports
- There are more than 3,400 immigrants working as athletes, coaches, officials and referees across the country.
- Immigrants make up 24% of all people working in Canada as sports coaches.
- There are more than 13,000 immigrants who earn their living as program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness throughout Canada.
- Number of immigrants in sport-related occupations
- Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness: 13,340
- Athletes, coaches, officials and referees: 3,435
- Recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors: 1,965
Philanthropy
Canada’s charities and non-profits play a crucial role in supporting our high quality of life and delivering important services. Canada’s 220,000 registered charities and non-profits employ about 2.4 million people (Statistics Canada, Non-profit organizations in rural and small-town Canada, 2021; Canada Revenue Agency, Report on the Charities Program 2020 to 2021).
Key statistics: The impact of immigration in philanthropy
- More than 1 in 4 people employed in the social assistance sector were born outside of Canada, as were nearly 1 in 5 working in social advocacy, civic, social and giving-related organizations.
- Between 2016 and 2021, there was a 15% increase in the number of foreign-born social and community service workers.
- Newcomers are also giving back. On average, immigrants donate more to charity than Canadian-born citizens.
- When asked why they make financial donations, immigrants said the top 3 reasons were compassion towards people in need, personally believing in the cause of the charity and making a contribution to the community.
- Hundreds of thousands of immigrants volunteer their time to charitable causes across the country each year.
- In fact, nearly 40% of immigrants aged 15 and older are volunteers. On average, these people will volunteer 162 hours each year (Statistics Canada, Giving and volunteering among Canada’s immigrants, 2012).
- Percentage of immigrant workers in social services and charitable organizations
- Canada: 26%
- Alberta: 36%
- Ontario: 31%
- British Columbia: 30%
- Manitoba: 24%
- Yukon: 23%
- Quebec: 21%
- Northwest Territories: 21%
- Saskatchewan: 17%
- Nova Scotia: 9%
- Prince Edward Island: 8%
- Nunavut: 7%
- New Brunswick: 6%
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 3%
Explore how immigration supports economic growth and population structure in communities across Canada
To find out how immigrants affect our local economies, we look at how immigration supports economic growth and population structure in communities across Canada.