Immigrants’ contribution to the manufacturing sector

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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.

Impact of immigration

• 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

Unless otherwise noted, all statistics are from the Statistics Canada 2021 Census.

Text version: Immigrant workers in select Canadian manufacturing sectors

• Clothing manufacturing: 54%
• Computer and electronics: 42%
• Food manufacturing: 38%
• Electric equipment, appliances and components: 37%