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Eliminating Immigration Would Have a Negative Impact on Canada's Economy

Blog posted on by Evelyn Ackah in Immigration, Immigration Law and Economic Immigration

Eliminating Immigration Would Have a Negative Impact on Canada's Economy

A new Conference Board of Canada report says that eliminating immigration would have a negative impact on Canada's economy. The study imagined what would happen by 2040 if Canada's borders were completely shut.

“Immigration contributes to the economy in several ways,” explained Kareem El-Assal, senior research associate with the Conference Board. “They are going to contribute to our labour force, but they’re also going to contribute in terms of economic activity.”

By 2034, immigration will account for 100% of Canada's population growth

Immigration currently is 71% of Canada's population growth and 90% of labour force growth, according to the Conference Board. By 2034, it's expected to account for 100% of Canada's population growth, and deaths will exceed births. The Conference Board report recommends boosting Canada's immigration rate to 1% of the total population, from 0.8% in 2017.

Without immigrants, the study found that:

  • Canada's population would age more rapidly.
  • The labour force would shrink. By 2040, the ratio of workers to retirees would drop from 3.6 to 2.0. More than a quarter of the population (26.9%) would be 65 and over, compared to 22.4 % with a gradual increase in immigration.
  • Paying for social services like health care would result in tax increases across the country.
  • The shrinking labour force, lower local demand and tax increases would lower levels of business investment and businesses would likely choose to forego Canadian operations.
  • Economic growth would slow down without immigration. Canada's GDP growth is expected to grow by an average of 1.9% in the decades to come with a gradual increase in newcomers. Without immigrants, growth would slow to 1.3%.

Economic immigrants — skilled workers and other newcomers — contribute the most to Canada's economy.


Evelyn L. Ackah, BA, LL.B.

Founder/Managing Lawyer

Ms. Ackah is passionate about immigration law because it focuses on people and relationships, which are at the core of her personal values. Starting her legal career as a corporate/commercial ...

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I learned about Ackah Law while I was visiting my then-boyfriend in Canada, and our search consisted of the best law firms closest to us and I chose Ackah law because the smile that popped up was so inviting. Despite the wait in process time which the firm has no control over, our immigration process was smooth sailing; everyone was so professional and attentive in answering all our questions. A special thank you to Gurbhajneek Singh, Samra and Rizalie Ganelo, who I had the most contact with, and also to Evelyn Ackah, who is the mentor to this amazing staff. I would definitely recommend Ackah Law to anyone wishing to have a trustworthy firm that will do its best in ensuring a successful process.

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